Job Description

General Manager - Head of Buying & Commercial

ROLE SUMMARY

Lead the development and execution of the supermarket’s commercial strategy by building compelling product ranges, delivering strong supplier partnerships, optimizing pricing and promotions, and driving sustainable sales, margin, and profitability growth in line with the company's long-term strategic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and own the commercial strategy, translating brand objectives into effective range, pricing, margin, and promotional plans.
• Align commercial decisions with the organization's long-term growth plans, balancing competitiveness, customer value, and profitability.
• Establish and maintain robust commercial models covering pricing, margin management, promotions, supplier funding, and trade investment.
• Ensure clear visibility of sales, margin, stock, volume, and promotional performance through effective reporting and performance management processes.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships that deliver sustainable value, innovation, quality, and supply reliability.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, supplier funding arrangements, and trading terms that support business objectives and profitability targets.
• Develop and execute range architecture and sourcing strategies that reflect customer needs, market trends, and brand positioning.
• Drive pricing, promotional, and category strategies to strengthen value perception while delivering commercial targets.
• Monitor and optimize gross margin performance by effectively managing cost prices, retail pricing, promotions, funding, and product mix.
• Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and other key stakeholders to ensure strong execution and availability across the business.
• Establish governance and auditing processes across the supplier base to ensure compliance with quality, ethical, and operational standards.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing commercial team through effective coaching, succession planning, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, learning, and commercial excellence throughout the function.
• Act as a key member of the leadership team, supporting strategic decision-making and organizational growth initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Marketing, Commerce, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional or postgraduate qualifications in Business, Retail, Commercial Management, or Supply Chain Management will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in Buying, Commercial, Category Management, Merchandising, or Retail Leadership roles.
• Proven track record of delivering sales growth, margin improvement, and commercial performance within a retail or FMCG environment.
• Significant experience in supplier relationship management, commercial negotiations, sourcing, and contract management.
• Strong understanding of category management, pricing strategy, promotional planning, and margin optimization.
• Experience leading large teams and developing high-performing commercial organizations.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex stakeholder relationships, including senior leadership teams, suppliers, and external partners.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing sales, margin, stock, and profitability targets.
• Experience within large-scale retail, supermarket, FMCG, or multi-site commercial operations would be highly advantageous.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Commercial Leadership
• Buying & Category Management Expertise
• Financial & Commercial Acumen
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation & Influencing Skills
• Customer-Centric Decision Making
• Strategic Sourcing & Range Development
• Pricing & Margin Management
• Data Analysis & Performance Management
• Planning, Organizing & Continuous Improvement
• Leadership & Team Development
• Performance Management & Accountability
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Resilience & Adaptability
• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Ownership
• Action Orientation & Results Focus
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Integrity, Ethics & Governance
• Change Leadership & Business Transformation

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this challenging role, please click "Apply Now". Pay and benefits of the above position will be competitive, and the rewards are performance driven.

Hayleys is an Equal Opportunity Employer.