Foodservice Buying Manager

About the Role The Wholesale Group are a dynamic, collaborative team with genuine enthusiasm for what we do and a proven record of success. As the UK's leading buying group, we champion over 200 independent businesses in the food and drink wholesale sector, who supply catering and retail outlets nationwide. By harnessing our collective scale, we create opportunities for our Members to flourish and expand. We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Buyer to join our foodservice buying team. In this role you will take ownership of agreed categories, leading supplier negotiations, managing ranges and pricing, and delivering measurable value for our network of independent wholesale members. You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders and Members to ensure our offer is competitive, compliant, and aligned to market trends.

Key Responsibilities Product Sourcing & Range Management · Own and develop product ranges within agreed foodservice categories to meet Member needs and commercial targets · Identify, evaluate, and onboard new products and suppliers, ensuring robust due diligence and specification accuracy · Lead category reviews using market insight, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to strengthen our proposition · Maintain accurate product data, specifications, and pricing in internal systems, ensuring high standards of governance Supplier Relations · Build, manage, and develop strategic supplier relationships to improve service, availability, and overall performance · Lead supplier meetings, business reviews, and product tastings, translating outcomes into actionable plans · Negotiate pricing, terms, rebates, and promotions to deliver sustainable value and margin improvements · Monitor and manage supplier KPIs (quality, delivery, service levels, and compliance), addressing issues proactively Commercial Activities · Develop and deliver category plans, including pricing strategy, margin management, and contract optimisation · Plan and execute promotional activity and seasonal campaigns in collaboration with marketing and Member stakeholders · Prepare buying reports, range reviews, and presentations for internal stakeholders and Member forums · Own the analysis and monitoring of Group contracts, ensuring accuracy, value delivery, and timely renewals Essential Requirements · Proven buying/procurement experience within foodservice, wholesale, or FMCG (typically 3+ years) · Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated experience of negotiating pricing, terms, and promotional agreements · Confident using data to make decisions (sales, margin, market insight) with strong numerical and analytical skills · Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, able to influence internally and externally · Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities · Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with accountability for delivering results Desirable Requirements · Experience managing a category or range strategy (e.g., range reviews, supplier rationalisation, new product introduction) · Knowledge of food safety, technical specifications, allergen management, and quality standards · Understanding of the UK foodservice/wholesale market and key route-to-market dynamics · Experience supporting tender activity or contract negotiations · Full UK driving licence Personal Attributes · Commercial awareness and business acumen · Negotiation potential and confidence · Team player with collaborative approach · Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment · Problem-solving mindset What We Offer · Competitive salary commensurate with experience · Car Allowance · Ongoing training and development · 25 days holiday plus bank holidays · Pension scheme · Employee benefits package · Supportive, collaborative team environment