BUYING MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Seasonal ranges live or fail by decisions made months before a product reaches the shelf. Supplier negotiations, assortment calls, and margin targets are set well in advance, and when those decisions are misaligned with customer demand, neither markdowns nor promotions can fully recover the loss. The Buying Manager owns that upstream decision-making - setting category strategy, managing a portfolio of suppliers and brands, and delivering sales and profitability targets within retail and eCommerce channels. This is a role shaped by the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice, private label development cycles, and the commercial realities of managing FMCG range selection across multiple price points.

As the Buying Manager, you will lead category strategy and supplier negotiation to deliver sales, margin, and assortment targets across retail and eCommerce channels. You will operate within a buying team structure, collaborating with stock planning, merchandising, and styling functions while managing a team of buyers and maintaining full accountability for the category P and L.

Career Impact: Owning private label category strategy and supplier portfolio management at a senior level builds the commercial track record that distinguishes a Buying Manager in the womenswear and FMCG retail markets.

Business Impact: The range decisions and supplier terms secured in this role directly determine gross margin outcomes and product availability for retail customers across multiple channels.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to both private label development and third-party brand negotiation expands your commercial scope toward a Head of Buying or Senior Buying Manager appointment.

• Lead category strategy and assortment planning to deliver sales and profitability targets each season.
• Negotiate purchasing terms, pricing, and delivery conditions with a defined portfolio of suppliers.
• Develop seasonal collections using customer data, market trends, and competitive analysis to guide range decisions.
• Manage brand portfolio performance including new brand introduction and delisting as market conditions require.
• Collaborate with stock planning, merchandising, and styling teams to align range construction with trade plans.
• Monitor in-season performance and present data-driven recommendations to optimise the category.
• Mentor and manage a team of buyers to ensure consistent delivery against KPIs.
• Ensure all supplier agreements and trading activities comply with the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of buying experience in retail or eCommerce, with demonstrated ownership of category P and L.
• Proven track record negotiating supplier terms including cost price, delivery schedules, and promotional funding.
• Strong analytical capability with experience using customer and transactional data to inform range decisions.
• Experience managing a team and influencing stakeholders across buying, planning, and merchandising functions.
• Sound understanding of retail math including gross margin, sell-through rate, and open-to-buy management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute category strategies in a competitive, multi-brand retail environment.

• Experience managing private label development from concept through to range launch in womenswear or FMCG categories.
• Familiarity with compliance obligations under the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice or equivalent retail trading codes.
• Background in eCommerce buying with exposure to digital merchandising and online range performance metrics.
• Experience working across multiple price points and brand tiers within a single category portfolio.

• Gross margin percentage per category, reflecting the quality of supplier negotiations and range decisions.
• Sell-through rate by season, measuring how well the assortment aligned with customer demand.
• Supplier on-time delivery rate, tracking the reliability of the managed supplier base.
• Open-to-buy utilisation variance, indicating how accurately range volumes were planned against budget.
• Number of GSCOP breaches recorded, reflecting compliance discipline across all supplier agreements.
• Typical tools: Buying and merchandising planning platforms (commonly JDA or similar); data and reporting tools (commonly Excel at advanced level)

• Base Salary Range: $90,000 to $125,000 per year depending on seniority and category scope.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus typically 10 to 15 percent of base salary tied to category KPIs.
• Equity: Equity participation uncommon at this level in retail; occasionally offered in eCommerce-native businesses.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across employers in this sector.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days per year plus public holidays, with some employers offering additional seasonal flexibility.
• Common Perks: Employee product discount, professional development budget, and hybrid working arrangements.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process are encouraged to submit a request at any point during recruitment. A background check is a condition of employment and will be conducted in accordance with applicable law. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to commencing employment.

The Buying Manager owns the end-to-end private label buying cycle, from seasonal collection development and assortment planning to supplier negotiations and in-season performance analysis, for an exclusive womenswear eCommerce brand. Working closely with buying, stock planning, data, and styling teams, this role shapes category strategy and drives sales and profitability targets across the private label portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage private label categories and oversee the full buying cycle from strategy to execution.
• Develop seasonal collections including assortment planning, pricing, and cost negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and conduct negotiations on terms, quality, and delivery.
• Lead and manage the private labels buying team.
• Collaborate with buying, stock planning, data, and styling teams to construct and manage collections.
• Analyse product performance and present strategic recommendations for optimisation.
• Identify opportunities to expand into new product categories and drive execution.

Required Qualifications

• Proven senior-level buying experience in private labels management, preferably in womenswear eCommerce.
• Experience across different brands, styles, and price points.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a team and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Passion for product and trends with deep knowledge of the women's fashion industry including textile supply chain and fabrics.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a proven track record.

Embedded within a high-performing commercial buying team, the Buying Manager develops and delivers category plans for complex, high-spend areas while driving sales, margin, and customer satisfaction. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, this role uses market and competitor insight to shape category strategy and ensure full compliance with the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice.

Core Functions

• Develop and deliver the category plan for a high-spend, complex area.
• Drive sales and profit by acting on customer insight to deliver the right range and proposition.
• Deliver margin targets through negotiation and robust supplier plans.
• Improve supplier relationships through regular engagement, detailed supplier knowledge, and site visits.
• Use market and competitor insight to develop compelling category strategies.
• Support the high performance culture of the buying team through mentoring and professional development.
• Help deliver a great customer experience.
• Operate in full compliance with the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice.

Qualifications and Experience

• Track record as a Buying Manager or Senior Buyer in a similar environment.
• Proven experience delivering category strategies in a complex, competitive market.
• Strong customer centricity with a track record of putting the customer first.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making background with significant commercial understanding.
• Experience building relationships at all levels to drive commercial benefits.
• Experience implementing and driving unified strategies in a complex business environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with ability to work at pace in a fast and flexible environment.

Reporting to regional commercial leadership, the Buying Manager negotiates purchasing terms, manages a defined portfolio of suppliers and brands, and maintains retailer gross margins across retail and wholesale channels. Partnering with internal departments and external partners, this role delivers budgeted sales and margin targets while sourcing competitive products and supporting business development events.

Primary Duties

• Negotiate and agree purchasing terms and conditions with an approved supplier list.
• Develop partnership agendas with preferred supplier partners.
• Manage and develop a specific portfolio of suppliers and brands.
• Achieve budgeted sales, margin, and all other forms of income.
• Maintain and improve retailer gross margins and ensure the price file is reviewed and updated regularly.
• Source and agree products for retail and wholesale promotions and communicate details to all relevant departments.
• Support business development projects and commercial events as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Previous buying experience in FMCG.
• Strong financial skills with sound budget management ability.
• Strategic thinking ability with strong relationship development skills.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

The Buying Manager sources and develops products for sale across ALDI US stores, overseeing promotional assortment, supplier cost negotiations, and team performance to deliver profitable, on-strategy outcomes. The work directly supports ALDI's national buying operations by linking international sourcing comparisons, marketplace research, and cross-functional collaboration into a cohesive purchasing function.

Duties

• Support leadership with the selection, assortment, and variety of promotional items.
• Assist with decisions regarding product design and packaging in accordance with agreed benchmarks and policies.
• Endorse text and copy for advertised products and recommend text for price cards.
• Train, develop, and manage team staff to retain a motivated and professional workforce.
• Recruit and recommend qualified employees for team positions.
• Make recommendations and negotiate costs with suppliers to achieve the best price for agreed quality.
• Present proposals on buying costs, supplier listing and delisting, and contract quantities to leadership.
• Liaise with international buying operations to compare costs and product options.
• Carry out marketplace, competitor, and price research and make recommendations based on findings.
• Manage the team by driving projects to completion through effective prioritisation, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in category management, supply chain, and retail operations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to develop rapport, trust, and open communication with direct reports.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines consistently.

A key member of the Dover Digital cross-functional team, the Buying Manager leads end-to-end B2B eCommerce platform implementation across product search, online buying, payments, and promotional campaigns while developing internal technical capability. Collaborating across IT, digital, and operating company stakeholders, this role advances enterprise eCommerce strategy and delivers measurable improvements in channel revenue and operational efficiency.

Technical Responsibilities

• Lead the B2B eCommerce platform implementation across channels including product search, online buying, portals, payments, and tax.
• Develop internal capability to implement, enhance, and support eCommerce platform technology components.
• Design, architect, and contribute hands-on coding while mentoring and coaching the team.
• Assist with estimation of development tasks, planning, and execution.
• Serve as liaison and primary point of contact within the Dover Digital team to evaluate, prioritise, and manage eCommerce initiatives.
• Manage technical execution of eCommerce implementation including site navigation, content, checkout, and promotional campaigns.
• Develop technical standards and provide governance across multiple implementation projects.
• Drive reporting and analysis including selection and customisation of data collection and analytical tools.
• Effectively use onshore and offshore consulting partners to execute projects efficiently.

Technical Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of technical eCommerce experience leading large-scale projects.
• Experience leading digital transformation efforts for a business of at least $200M in revenue.
• 5 years of development and implementation experience in eCommerce platforms such as Hybris, DemandWare, or Intershop.
• Strong experience with Java, application web services, Oracle, JSP, and UI technologies including HTML5, Angular or React JS, Bootstrap, and CSS.
• Advanced proficiency in analytical capabilities and experience building analytical tools.
• Strong testing and debugging skills across unit, system, integration, and performance levels.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills with experience in a matrixed environment.

Consistent delivery of meaningful consumer marketing impact depends on the Buying Manager, who owns media buying and campaign stewardship for Facebook brand and consumer product initiatives from strategy through reporting and optimisation. Based within the Consumer Marketing function, this role serves as the operational link between Communications Planning, Product Engineering, Ads Products, and Decision Science to scale campaign performance and expand advertising platform capabilities.

Role Responsibilities

• Own media buying and stewardship of Facebook Consumer Marketing Initiatives from campaign strategy through execution, optimisation, and reporting.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders including Communications Planning, Consumer Product Marketing, and Product Engineering.
• Lead setup and execution of successful Facebook marketing campaigns across brand and consumer products.
• Identify testing opportunities and develop roadmaps for consumer marketing efforts.
• Leverage large datasets to identify scalable drivers of impact for the business.
• Identify and manage opportunities for the Facebook ads product team to further develop the ad platform.
• Project manage complex workstreams and initiatives across marketing objectives.
• Streamline processes and build scalable solutions to support multiple marketing campaigns.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Marketing, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
• Digital advertising experience in ad operations, trafficking, demand management, or data analytics.
• Experience with A/B testing and marketing effectiveness measurement methodologies and technologies.
• Experience with direct response and brand marketing, data and technology solutions, and advertising technology.
• Experience managing large global-scale ad campaigns using Ads Manager or a Facebook Marketing Partner platform.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, advanced formulas, and macros.
• Strong understanding of mobile creative best practices.
• Experience building relationships with cross-functional groups and influencing outcomes across multiple levels.

As the Buying Manager, this role executes large-scale paid mobile user acquisition campaigns for all active games, conducting deep performance analysis and A/B testing to maximise ROI across global platforms. The mobile marketing team relies on this work to grow the player base profitably by cultivating platform partnerships with Apple, Google, and Amazon and delivering optimised creatives across app stores and paid channels.

Job Functions

• Manage acquisition and user funnel for all active games.
• Conduct deep analysis to optimise mobile marketing campaigns and acquire new users at large scale.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to deliver and execute successful mobile marketing campaigns.
• Develop A/B testing programs to maximise acquisition efforts and return.
• Lead performance-based paid acquisition marketing efforts to reach acquisition goals.
• Cultivate relationships with platform partners including Apple, Google, and Amazon.
• Work with the Marketing Creative team to develop optimised creatives for app stores and paid acquisition campaigns.
• Develop short-term budgets and plans for creative testing in App Store Optimisation.
• Identify new partner, platform, and optimisation opportunities to drive campaign performance.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 5 years of experience in mobile user acquisition and ad buying at scale, preferably in free-to-play games.
• 5 years of experience buying at scale and negotiating ad buys with preference for mobile games.
• 4 years of experience conducting acquisition and ad buying analysis to deliver ROI including A/B testing.
• 2 years of management or supervisory experience with ability to inspire and mentor a team.
• Exceptional analytical skills balanced with understanding of creative development.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and SQL skills.
• Ability to monitor, analyse, and troubleshoot third-party mobile app tracking.

Buying Manager directs day-to-day media buying operations for short-form TV, long-form TV, and spot radio campaigns, overseeing a team of buyers and ensuring advertisements reach target audiences at the lowest possible rates. Success in the position means consistently delivering optimised offline ad spend results, accurate billing, and actionable weekly performance reports to senior leadership while building strong agency and sales agent relationships.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong network relationships with media agencies and advertising sales agents.
• Guide team members and promote an integrated team environment.
• Set daily expectations for direct reports and run training sessions to ensure progress toward goals.
• Strategise ways to most effectively use media dollars for maximum benefit.
• Work with advertising sales agents to obtain the best prices and values for advertisement placements and campaigns.
• Track current results and manage team performance across offline ad spend.
• Monitor purchased media to ensure advertisements appear as planned.
• Analyse media and report results to senior leadership on a weekly basis.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team on new product launches.
• Manage billing processes and handle discrepancies with vendors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience supervising a group of employees in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in planning, negotiating, and placement of media.
• Exceptional negotiation, persuasion, and strategic thinking skills.
• Impeccable communication and interpersonal skills with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify trends and optimise campaign performance.
• Exemplary planning, time management, and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.