Longacres Garden Centres
Senior Buying Manager
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Are you an experienced Retail Buyer ready to take the next step in your career?
We are looking for a Senior Buying Manager to join and lead our existing purchasing team of seven buyers.
This is a newly created position and a great opportunity for someone who wants to take the next step in their professional career. You will need to be able to take the lead and work with our buyers to build structure within the department. You will be responsible for establishing clear processes, introducing KPIs and performance objectives, and supporting the development of the existing buying team.
You will work closely with our Company Directors and other senior management, acting as the liaison between the buying team and Directors and ensuring effective communication across the department. You will also provide day-to-day leadership and support the team, monitor performance against KPIs. Along with this, you will also remain hands-on within the role, stepping in to support with the buying responsibilities when required.
Responsibilities would include:
- Implement KPIs and department-specific goals.
- Manage and lead an existing team of buyers/category managers (perform annual reviews, lead and aid in the development of the buying team).
- Drive high standards and accountability within the team.
- Act as the main liaison between buyers and company directors.
- Step in and cover for buyers when necessary.
- Implement a clear structure within the purchasing team.
- Build relationships with suppliers and brand representatives.
- Monitor the end-to-end procurement lifecycle.
- Analyse trading performance and market trends.
- Outline and execute annual strategy planning.
- Analyse spend and identify opportunities for cost reduction, value creation, and improved commercial outcomes.
- Lead buying/procurement activities and strategies.
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Desired Experience & Characteristics:
- Experience leading and monitoring a team.
- Retail buying/procurement experience (preferably 5 years’ experience).
- Relevant qualification (Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Retail Management, CIPS qualified).
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
- End-to-end procurement lifecycle management (Strategy, sourcing, tendering, mobilisation, supplier/contract management).
- Experience in procurement strategy development.
- Experience in mitigating project risks and issues.
- Customer service and interpersonal skills are essential in this role.
- Comfortable working with senior management and senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure, with personal resilience to resolve conflict and seek collaborative business solutions.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Computer literacy.
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Benefits
- Free onsite parking
- 15% Staff discount (Increase to 20% after 5 years of service)
- Training and development with opportunities to forge a career with us
- Holiday entitlement of 29 days, including bank holidays (Increases with length of service)
- Pension plan
Store: Bagshot
Department: Purchasing
Contract: Full Time
Includes: Monday to Friday working
Hours: 40 hours per week
About the Company:
Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high-quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family-run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2026. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment. We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering top-notch products while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values - trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence - we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.
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