Are you an experienced Retail Buyer ready to take the next step in your career?
We are looking for Senior Buying Manager to join and lead our existing purchasing team of seven buyers.
This is a newly created position and a great opportunity for someone who wants to take the next step in their professional career. You will need to be able to take the lead and work with our buyers to build structure within the department. You will be responsible for establishing clear processes, introduce KPI’s and performance objectives, and supporting the development of the existing buying team.
You will work closely with our Company Directors and other senior management, acting as the liaison between the buying team and Directors and ensuring effective communication across the department. You will also provide day-to-day leadership, support the team, and monitor performance against KPIs. Along with this you will also remain hands‑on within the role, stepping in to support with the buying responsibilities when required.
Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high-quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family‑run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2026. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment. We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering top‑notch products while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values – trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence – we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.
- Free onsite parking
- 15% Staff discount (Increase to 20% after 5 years of service)
- Training and development with opportunities to forge a career with us
- Holiday entitlement of 29 days, including bank holidays (Increases with length of service)
Store: Bagshot
Department: Purchasing
Contract: Full Time
Includes: Monday to Friday working
Hours: 40 hours per week
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Implement KPI’s and department specific goals.
Manage and lead an existing team of buyers/category managers (perform annual reviews, lead and aid in the development of the buying team).
Drive high standards and accountability within the team.
Act as the main liaison between buyers and company directors.
Step in and cover for buyers when necessary.
Implement a clear structure within the purchasing team.
Build relationships with suppliers and brand representatives.
Monitor the end-to-end procurement lifecycle.
Analyse trading performance and market trends.
Outline and execute annual strategy planning.
Analyse spend and identify opportunities for cost reduction, value creation and improved commercial outcomes.
Lead buying/procurement activities and strategies.
Key Skills and Competencies
Experience leading and monitoring a team.
Retail buying/procurement experience (preferably 5 years’ experience).
Strong analytical, financial, and problem‑solving abilities.
End-to-end procurement lifecycle management (Strategy, sourcing, tendering, mobilisation, supplier/contract management).
Experience in procurement strategy development.
Experience in mitigating project risks and issues
Customer service and interpersonal skills are essential in this role
Comfortable working with senior management and senior stakeholders
Ability to work under pressure, with personal resilience to resolve conflict and seek collaborative business solutions.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Additional Information
Number of positions: 1
Contact:
Name: Recruitment Team
Phone: +441276486416
You have the right to lodge a complaint with us via Longacres as well as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe we have not complied with the requirements of the UK GDPR or Data Protection Act 2018 in relation to your personal data. If you have any concerns about the way your personal data has been processed, please let us know in the first instance. We will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days, investigate any issues you have raised while keeping you informed of progress, and advise you of the outcome without undue delay.
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