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Buying Director
We are looking for a Buying Director to lead the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management for all product categories. This role combines deep category expertise with a strong commercial mindset, ensuring the business delivers a compelling and profitable spirits portfolio to trade customers and consumers alike.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role is a key member of the Leadership Team and will need to work closely with other members of the Leadership Team to meet multiple stakeholder needs.
Direct Reports
A team of 13 people, including buying, import and export, merchandising, and inventory.
Key responsibilities include:
Buying & Procurement
- Develop and execute the buying strategy for spirits, aligning with company goals and market trends.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with distilleries, producers, and distributors globally.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to maximise value and margin.
- Lead category planning and range development across premium+ and emerging spirit segments.
- Monitor global and local market trends to inform buying decisions and identify growth opportunities.
- Ensure all procurement activities adhere to regulatory standards and support sustainability goals.
Own Label Bottlings
- Lead the development and execution of own label spirit products, from concept to shelf.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on product formulation, packaging, branding, and compliance.
- Ensure own label offerings meet quality, commercial, and brand standards while differentiating the portfolio in the market.
- Manage timelines, budgets, and supplier relationships specific to own label initiatives.
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Key Relationships
Internal: MD, Leadership Team, direct teams and key stakeholders across the business.
External: Key suppliers, strategic brand partners, industry bodies, journalists.
Key Skills And Knowledge
- Strong buying, category and product selection expertise, with sound knowledge of premium spirits, whisky and related drinks categories.
- Excellent commercial acumen across pricing, margin, stock investment, supplier terms and product performance.
- Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills, including access to exclusives and strategically important stock.
- Good understanding of supply chain, import/export, inventory, merchandising and product availability processes.
- Experience managing own-label bottlings, single cask programmes or exclusive product development from sourcing through to launch.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop the Buying team and influence cross-functional partners.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and inspire high-performing teams across buying, Old & Rare and own label development functions.
- Role model the leadership behaviours and Internal Company Values with a focus on Sustainability & Responsibility, Health & Safety and an inclusive One Team environment across the company
- Work cross-functionally with Digital, Creative Marketing, Finance, and Operations to deliver integrated commercial plans.
- Report on performance metrics including margin, sales growth and supplier performance.
- Ensure sales, margin and stock targets are hit monthly and yearly in line with company objectives.
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The Way We Perform
- We Collaborate
- We Deliver Results Effectively
- We Grow Diverse Teams
- We are Consumer & Customer Centric
- We Foster Growth Mindset
- We Drive Engagement
Our Values
- Grounded in the Real
- Passion for Challenge
- Fiercely Authentic
- Connected Beyond Borders
Speciality Drinks Ltd (t/a The Whisky Exchange) operates across a diverse portfolio of channels:
- The Whisky Exchange - An award-winning e-commerce platform offering more than 5,000 whiskies, spirits, liqueurs and Champagnes to customers in over 65 countries.
- TWE Trade - A leading supplier of premium spirits and Champagnes to some of the UK's most prestigious bars, restaurants and hospitality venues.
- Retail Stores - Three flagship stores in Central London, providing expert advice, tastings, masterclasses and seamless click-and-collect services alongside an extensive product range.
- Old & Rare - A trusted destination for collectors, investors and enthusiasts seeking exceptional and highly sought-after spirits.
- Whisky.Auction - One of the leading online auction platforms in the rapidly growing secondary market for whisky, spirits and fine wine.
- Events & Experiences - Creators of the UK's leading whisky, tequila, cognac and rum shows, bringing together brands, experts and consumers to share knowledge, discover new products and celebrate a passion for spirits.
Driven by expertise, authenticity and a commitment to excellence, The Whisky Exchange Group continues to connect people with the world's finest spirits through retail, trade, auctions, events and unforgettable customer experiences.
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