(75B) Buying Manager

United Kingdom
Permanent
Full-time

14 days ago

Pret is an international on-the-go food and drink retailer, founded in 1986, with the idea of bringing quality, fresh food and organic coffee to an uninspiring British industry. Our mission is to bring joy through organic coffee, freshly prepared food and exceptional customer service to millions around the world.Pret now runs over 500 shops across the UK, France, USA, and Hong Kong, with additional shops run by franchise partners in the UK, US, Dubai, Singapore, India, Canada, Kuwait and several European cities. The business now has a global turnover of ~£1B.The RoleThis 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, price & range and marketing teams to ensure effective support to the food and coffee plan and to establish and lead specific category plans.ResponsibilitiesSupplier 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

European Language skills are desirable
Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
Proven 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 organisation.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Desire to grow, take on additional responsibilities and develop.

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 this role is 7th of September 2025

Pret A Manger

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