Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Associate
Application Closing Date: 30th January 2026
About Us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re Ocado Retail, a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same‑day grocery delivery service.
About The Team And The Role
As a Senior Buyer, you will have accountability for a specified category within the commercial buying team. You will work for the Trading Manager for your Sub Pod (e.g., BWS/Impulse/Non Food Grocery/Cupboard). You will be responsible for your buying remit, working with your supply base to ensure the product range is optimised, proactively using data and analysis to maximise performance and drive sales, profitability and share growth to support the overall Ocado Retail strategy and goals.
What You’ll Do
Commercial Accountability
* Be fully accountable for the category P&L and deliver against all KPIs such as Margin (Profit), Value Index, Sales, Availability and Line Level Profitability and cost of stock.
* Proactively identify opportunities to drive customer penetration and significantly improve the all‑in margin by negotiating with suppliers to deliver savings.
* Plan and execute the comprehensive trade, promotions, and events plan within the value index guardrails.
Strategy, Range & Innovation
* Develop the category strategy with support from the Trading Manager/Buying Director.
* Expertly execute category reviews to refine the range, ensuring all changes align with the business and category strategy.
* Identify, analyse, and source first‑to‑market / Ocado exclusive product innovation using deep customer, market, and supplier insights.
* Support a team of Buyers in delivering their own range and strategy reviews.
Negotiation & Supplier Excellence
* Lead negotiations to agree upon and deliver market‑leading Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that align with the customer plan and category strategy.
* Manage and review the performance of a diverse supplier base, communicating and developing strong relationships to drive high engagement.
* Work closely with Supply Chain and the supplier base to ensure best‑in‑class availability and service levels.
* Identify and create plans to mitigate potential issues/events that may impact the supply, and ensure product quality meets all Ocado requirements.
* Follow our GSCOP policy to ensure compliance at all times and always follow the Business Code of Conduct and act with integrity and due diligence.
People Management & Performance
* Line Management of a team of buyers and provide day‑to‑day coaching and feedback to Category Assistants.
* Be an expert in data, analysing and assessing performance issues and opportunities using reporting tools, and quickly devising and implementing effective solutions.
Who You Are
* Significant retail buying experience within a branded environment with a demonstrated track record of delivering breakthrough commercial results.
* Skilled negotiator with experience in strategic, high‑value, and business‑critical supplier agreements.
* Proven leadership capability with experience in managing/mentoring.
* Exceptional influencing and stakeholder management skills, capable of shaping strategy at a senior, cross-functional, and leadership level.
* Proficient in Google Suite (e.g., Sheets, Slides), with experience in Tableau desirable; familiarity with Gemini and Notebook LM a plus.
* Experience working with data, analysing performance issues and opportunities using available reporting tools.
* Proven project management capability required to lead and deliver complex, long‑term business‑wide initiatives (e.g., major range resets).
* A passion for food & non‑food to deliver a best‑in‑class customer proposition.
* Prior experience in Category Management principles, demonstrable in range management skills and delivering the latest category trends.
What’s In It For You
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing team that challenges what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.
* Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance (with option to add family), Digital GP appointments, market‑leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
* Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, reward platform recognition, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station.
* Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
We receive a high volume of applications and appreciate the time and effort invested by each candidate. Every application is reviewed by our team; if your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
We welcome the use of AI tools in your application, as we use them in our own business. However, please keep the focus on your unique experiences, passions, and personality – this truly sets you apart. Ensure your application authentically conveys who you are and why you’re a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
We’re an equal‑opportunity employer and ensure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. If you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com. If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, let us know on the application form.
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