Role: Senior Buying Manager – Dairy
Salary: Up to £80k + Company Car
Location: Manchester (home, supplier visits, and 2–3 days per week in the office)
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Buying Manager with background in purchasing Dairy products. We are looking for someone who wants to make a real impact in one of the fastest‑moving areas of UK retail and this is your opportunity to take the lead.
As a Senior Buying Manager, you’ll take full ownership of one of the most commercially important categories in the business. You’ll have the freedom to do what you do best: secure outstanding commercial deals, deliver industry‑leading ranges, and build strong, sustainable partnerships across a supply base that’s central to future growth. Dairy moves fast – and so will you. You’ll help shape a category vision that truly matters to customers, while responding quickly to changing expectations and emerging market trends.
Why this role matters
Dairy sits at the heart of a broader commercial transformation. The business is investing in capability, modernising its approach, and creating new opportunities for industry experts to shape an omnichannel strategy. You’ll be a driving force behind this—leading a balanced, forward‑thinking range that delivers value, quality and momentum across multiple customer missions.
You’ll also be empowered to deliver value the right way: fairly, sustainably, collaboratively, and always with the customer front of mind.
What you’ll be doing
* Leading growth across your dairy categories, identifying emerging trends and shaping a range customers genuinely care about
* Negotiating market‑leading commercial terms and building partnerships that unlock innovation and long‑term success
* Owning the commercial plan across all channels through strategic delivery
* Collaborating with supply chain, technical, quality and customer category teams to create a seamless end‑to‑end offer
* Prioritising work and building capability within your team, ensuring strong performance and clear focus
* Representing the business across the dairy supply base and wider industry, championing high standards and commercial ambition
* Coaching and inspiring commercial analysts and assistants to help develop the next generation of buying talent
What you’ll bring
We focus on what really matters. To thrive in this role, you’ll need:
* Strong experience in Dairy buying, or senior/national account management or procurement within the Dairy or Retail industry
* A proven track record of negotiation, delivering value, and building strategic, productive supplier partnerships
* Experience working with varying cost models—including open book—and the ability to develop and grow direct grower relationships
* Confidence to take ownership, influence stakeholders and set clear direction in fast‑moving categories
* A commercially sharp, analytical mindset—balancing customer needs, market insight and commercial delivery
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team to deliver against ambitious plans
Benefits
* An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
* 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
* A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
* Private healthcare
* Access to a subsidised onsite gym (Manchester)