Waitrose & Partners
Branded Innovation & Small Supplier Lead
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Branded Innovation & Small Supplier Lead
BrandsNew and Small Supplier Lead – Bracknell Head Office
About The Role
Are you an innovative strategic thinker with a passion for driving commercial growth?
We are seeking a BrandsNew and Small Supplier Lead to spearhead the strategic development of our small supplier strategy. In this pivotal role, you will act as the central hub for the BrandsNew programme, translating commercial strategy into impactful, market-beating plans.
If you thrive on nurturing branded innovation, leading cross-functional teams, and balancing complex priorities to deliver sustainable value and exceptional customer journeys, we invite you to help shape the future of our regional and speciality offerings.
Salary: £68,900.00 - £105,200.00 (Permanent) Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week in office) Location: Bracknell Head Office Interviews: Mid July 2024
Key Responsibilities
As the BrandsNew and Small Supplier Lead, you will be accountable for:
- Strategic development and implementation of the Small Supplier strategy, ensuring a differentiated, high-quality experience and customer journey that drives sustainable business value.
- Leadership of the BrandsNew programme, working with a Trading Manager/Categor Y Manager to translate commercial strategy into a 12-24 month plan.
- Collaborating with the Local, Regional and Small Supplier Manager to identify, nurture, and grow market-leading branded innovation while managing the minimal credible range for regional speciality products.
- Driving cross-functional collaboration (internal and external) to deliver market-beating performance, balancing competing priorities, and aligning teams toward a unified direction.
- Monitoring performance and feedback of the proposition to identify root causes of success and challenges, while staying abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies.
- Overseeing commercial performance across BrandsNew suppliers and Local & Regional assortments, applying commercial and operational insights to optimise efficiency and profitability.
- Managing an L6 Local, Regional, and Small Supplier Manager, focusing on coaching and development to foster high performance and potential within the team.
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Essential Skills & Experience
You’ll need:
- Commercial management expertise
- A ability to set and execute against a 12-24 month horizon as a strategic thinker
- Proficiency in GSCO (Gathering & Sharing of Commerce) and Operational
- Proven track record in launching high-performing grocery propositions
- Strong stakeholder management, influencing others—even where not the final decision-maker
- Commercial and analytical acumen, with deep knowledge of relevant operational levers in commercial decision-making
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and matrix managing stakeholders
- Entrepreneurial mindset and a continuous improvement ethos
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Desirable (But Valued) Skills & Experience
- Process & Critical Path development experience
- Food retail knowledge
- Confidence in buying, product supply, and ranging
About The Partnership
We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. More than employees—we are Partners, united by our purpose: to build a happier world.
We distinguish ourselves with:
✔ A ruthless focus on retail excellence—practical adaptability to real-time market shifts. ✔ Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality, and service in John Lewis. ✔ A passionate commitment to food-lovers in Waitrose.
Our culture thrives on shared ownership—owning both our trajectory and our mutual success. We work together through challenges, empowered by behaviours rooted in kindness and respect.
At The Partnership, we nurture belonging—appreciating differences so all Partners can thrive personally and collectively. Growth cultivates both individual and collective excellence.
We are more than individuals. Together, we make all the difference. And together, we own it.
Important Notes:
- Pre-employment vetting (including DBS checks) will be conducted for short-listed candidates. Financial probity checks may also apply if required.
- Vacancies may close early during high application volume periods. We encourage early application.
- Need a reasonable adjustment? Please contact us promptly to support your application.
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