Job Description

People at Pret work hard, have fun, learn a lot and really grow. Right now, Pret has an additional opportunity to recruit a Buying Manger to join us.

Pret has an ambitious UK growth plan in place for the next 5 years, and our rapid expansion into franchise is a pivotal strategic pillar of this plan. This is a great opportunity to join us and support that growth with a sourcing and category plan to drive improved performance.

The Role

This role is responsible for effective sourcing of a specific category of products to meet Pret\'s quality standards, brand values, availability and cost requirements through the ongoing management of the supply base.

Working closely with the food development, technical, supply chain and marketing teams to ensure effective support to the food and coffee plan and to establish and lead specific category plans.

Categories managed will include dairy, pasta, rice and grocery items.

Responsibilities

Supplier management

• To identify, select and develop suppliers who are able to meet Pret\'s current and future needs, including on-boarding new suppliers.
• To manage the supply base to ensure that any potential risks to the supply of products are identified and that contingencies are put in place to mitigate those risks.
• To hold regular meetings with key suppliers to ensure that all aspects of the supplier\'s relationship with Pret meets with required standards.
• To support supply chain colleagues in ensuring suppliers meet availability requirements and to seek opportunities for improvement in efficiency in the supply chain that will improve service and/ or product quality.

Cost management

• To negotiate contracts and costs with suppliers that will meet budget, deliver a competitive deal for Pret, whilst achieving a sustainable relationship with the supplier.
• To constantly work with suppliers to seek efficiencies that will benefit Pret\'s cost of food targets.
• To proactively monitor cost prices and to regularly benchmark these to ensure Pret\'s prices are competitive.
• To keep abreast of market changes that could impact on costs and future strategic buying opportunities.
• To build joint business plans and negotiate growth incentives and rebates with suppliers and to monitor progress against targets and ensure monies are received.

Product sourcing and NPD

• To work closely with the food development and technical teams to identify NPD opportunities, work to the Pret NPD gated process and timeline to ensure all suppliers and products achieve the requirements of the process on-time.
• To support the food development and technical teams to support trials and their evaluation.
• To keep abreast of industry developments and supplier capability within specified categories to identify opportunities to deliver improvements for Pret.
• To work with the lead buyer for range to carry out range reviews for specified categories.

Skills and Experience

• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• 3-5 years\' experience in buying, ideally in a fast-moving retail or food service organisation.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Good influencing skills.
• Data-driven approach to work.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage projects within budget and according to timelines.
• Ability to work at high pace.
• Good communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate across all levels within a global organization.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Desire to grow, take on additional responsibilities and develop.

Pret Behaviours

• Passion
• Clear Communication
• Team Working
• Great Execution
• Open to Change
• Business Sense
• Realising Potential
• One Pret
• Thoughtful Leadership

Pret offers:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 33 days holiday a year including Bank Holidays
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Pret pension scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Free lunch and drinks
• 50% discount in Pret shops worldwide
• Great reward and recognition events
• Legendary parties

The deadline for applications for this role is Friday 1st September 2023.

Pret A Manger