About Us
Petplanet is a well-established, privately owned online pet retail business with over 25 years of heritage in the UK market. Our range includes pet food, accessories, and health products, catering to the needs of domestic pets nationwide. Following a recent rebrand in Q4 last year, including a refreshed platform and the continued development of strong social content, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth, with a renewed focus on digital marketing and customer engagement.
Role Overview
We are looking for a commercially driven Senior Buyer to lead our buying function and join our Senior Management Team. Based at our Livingston head office, this is a key strategic role, responsible for developing supplier relationships, negotiating commercial terms, and optimising our product offering across all categories.
The ideal candidate will bring deep FMCG buying experience, particularly in negotiating with both multinational suppliers and independent owner-managed businesses. You will have a strong understanding of trading terms, margin structures, promotional mechanics, and supply chain dynamics.
This is an on-site role and forms a core part of our hands-on leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the procurement of all products across pet food, accessories, and health categories.
- Manage and negotiate trading terms with a broad spectrum of suppliers, from large-scale corporations to small owner-operated businesses.
- Analyse product performance, pricing trends, and competitor activity to inform purchasing decisions.
- Develop and execute category plans in line with sales, margin, and growth targets.
- Work with marketing to drive growth of our exciting exclusive pet product brands.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and customer service to ensure alignment on product strategy and availability.
- Drive product innovation by identifying market trends and sourcing new suppliers/products.
- Conduct supplier reviews, manage contract renewals, and ensure all supplier relationships are performance-managed and commercially optimised.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date product data, pricing, and promotional calendars.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a buying role, ideally within the FMCG sector.
- Strong negotiating skills and a proven track record of managing supplier relationships at multiple levels.
- Strong commercial acumen, including understanding of gross margins, trading terms (e.g. rebates, promotional support, payment terms), and supply chain considerations.
- Highly analytical and proficient in using data to drive decision-making.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- An interest in the pet industry is advantageous but not essential.
What We Offer
- A senior leadership role in a growing and digitally evolving business.
- The opportunity to shape our product strategy and have real commercial impact.
- A supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Competitive salary and company benefits.
- A dynamic workplace based in Livingston with direct involvement in day-to-day operations.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience to [email protected] by 23rd June 2025.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Purchasing: 2 years (required)
Language:
- English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 23/06/2025
Reference ID: SB0625
