Senior Buyer / Head of Buying
Location: Amersham
Competitive Salary & Benefits
Our client are a fast-growing importer and distributor of Asian and Oriental food. They are seeking a commercially driven Senior Buyer/Head of Buying to operate at a senior leadership level directly alongside one of the founding Directors.
This role requires international travel
Role Overview
Senior Buyer/Head of Buying
The successful candidate will work with junior buyers/demand planners, imports and a technical team.
Communication and collaborative working will be key.
This role will take ownership of supplier and brand relationships within a defined geographical territory (likely East Asia and/or South Asia), leading all aspects of sourcing, negotiations, product development, and commercial strategy.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future product portfolio, improving internal buying processes, and driving profitability across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
Cherry Professional are recruiting for this opportunity on behalf of our client. Please view our Privacy Policy on our website to understand how your data will be used if you apply for this role.
Location: Amersham
Competitive Salary & Benefits
Our client are a fast-growing importer and distributor of Asian and Oriental food. They are seeking a commercially driven Senior Buyer/Head of Buying to operate at a senior leadership level directly alongside one of the founding Directors.
This role requires international travel
Role Overview
Senior Buyer/Head of Buying
The successful candidate will work with junior buyers/demand planners, imports and a technical team.
Communication and collaborative working will be key.
This role will take ownership of supplier and brand relationships within a defined geographical territory (likely East Asia and/or South Asia), leading all aspects of sourcing, negotiations, product development, and commercial strategy.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future product portfolio, improving internal buying processes, and driving profitability across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Lead sourcing strategy across assigned regions (e.g., China, Korea, Japan, India, Sri Lanka)
- Build and manage relationships with international suppliers and partners
- Identify and onboard new suppliers and manufacturers
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and supply agreements
- Brand Acquisition & Development
- Identify and secure distribution rights (exclusive or shared) for international brands
- Evaluate brand potential within the UK and Irish markets
- Develop long-term brand partnerships and growth strategies
- Negotiate and secure supplier-funded marketing support and investment
- Product Portfolio & Development
- Identify new product opportunities aligned with market trends
- Review, streamline, and enhance buying and product listing processes
- Identify inefficiencies and implement scalable systems and controls
- Introduce best practices in procurement, sourcing, and category management
- Have key input in increasing resources within the buying team.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams
- Align buying strategy with commercial and customer objectives
- Support go-to-market strategies for new and existing products
- Proven experience in a senior buying / procurement role
- Strong background in import buying, ideally within food or FMCG (but not essential)
- Experience working with international suppliers, particularly in Asia (preferred but not essential)
- Demonstrated success in:
- Negotiating commercial agreements
- Managing supplier relationships
- Delivering margin improvement
- Experience securing distribution rights for brands (highly desirable)
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Ability to identify and capitalise on new product and brand opportunities
- Experience building and managing value chains
- Knowledge of product development and private label sourcing
- Understanding of marketing principles and ability to negotiate marketing budgets
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking ability
Cherry Professional are recruiting for this opportunity on behalf of our client. Please view our Privacy Policy on our website to understand how your data will be used if you apply for this role.