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Assistant Buyer – Food & Drink
Location: Newcastle (Hybrid working – primarily at Fenwick’s Flagship store) Team: Home, Food & Wine Buying Employment Type: Permanent
Join us!
Are you looking for a new challenge in a buying role?
Fenwick is seeking an Assistant Buyer for the Food & Drink category to join our dynamic buying team.
Why work with us?
We’re a forward-thinking department store making an impact since 1882—leading the way in luxury retail, sustainability, and exceptional customer experience. As one of the UK’s largest independent, family-owned department store groups, we pride ourselves on our collaborative culture, premier products, and award-winning service.
Benefits include:
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33 days annual leave (including 8 bank holidays), plus a buying holiday benefits scheme (buy 5 additional days).
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Your birthday off as an extra annual leave day (taken when you choose in your birth month).
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Up to 25% discount across all Fenwick stores and fenwick.co.uk.
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WeCare – Our 24/7 GP and wellbeing support service, available whenever you need it.
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Hybrid working model – Typically Thursday & Friday working from home, with collaboration at our Newcastle flagship store hub.
The Role
As Assistant Buyer – Food & Drink, you'll play a lead role in the strategic buying for Fenwick’s Food & Drink category, supporting both our physical and online retail channels.
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Your Key Responsibilities
Buying Strategy & Execution
- Support the Buyer in developing and implementing commercially sound range plans that align with customer needs, market trends, and Fenwick’s brand positioning.
- Drive sales growth, sales margin, and market share through data-driven insights.
- Monitor and report on trading performance, OTB (On-Time-In-Full) stock levels, and supplier compliance.
- Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the portfolio through market research, trade analysis, and customer insights.
Supplier & Product Strategy
- Engage with suppliers to develop and source new products, negotiate contracts, and mitigate risks.
- Assess market opportunities and scenarios, supporting seasonal strategies and product launches.
- Collaborate with marketing and digital teams to align product selection with promotional activity and trends.
Performance & Data Analysis
- Analyse sales and margin data to inform buying decisions, pricing strategies, and promotions.
- Use data tools to identify cost efficiencies and reduce markdown risk.
- Monitor and manage OTB stock levels to ensure product availability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Retail, Digital, Marketing, Logistics, and Procurement to drive a cohesive and profitable product range.
- Represent the team at internal buying meetings and supplier engagement sessions.
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Requirements & Qualifications
Ideal candidates would have:
- Intermediate-level experience in buying, procurement, and sales—preferably in multichannel retail (i.e., in-store and e-commerce).
- Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making with a focus on reducing costs, improving margins, and identifying growth opportunities.
- Knowledge and keen interest in high-quality food, drink, or premium gifting products.
- Experience in building supplier relationships and negotiating contracts.
- Comfort in presenting ideas, influencing stakeholders, and developing business cases.
- A proactive, outbound mindset that thrives in a fast-paced buying team, combining strategy with hands-on execution.
What Makes This Role Special?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a proven supplier of luxury and unique products while enjoying the flexible hybrid working model and a financially rewarding sector with great development potential. If you thrive in a high-energy buying environment and take pride in creating opportunities to ensure customers love our product range, we’d love to hear from you!
Ready to Apply?
If you love making exceptional product decisions and contribute to a leading retail brand, apply today through our careers portal.
Fenwick ويسعدنا أن نكون جزء من رحلة Infinite Customer Love. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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