We are looking for a Buying Director to lead the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management for all product categories. This role combines deep category expertise with a strong commercial mindset, ensuring the business delivers a compelling and profitable spirits portfolio to trade customers and consumers alike.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role is a key member of the Leadership Team and will need to work closely with other members of the Leadership Team to meet multiple stakeholder needs.
Direct Reports
A team of 13 people, including buying, import and export, merchandising, and inventory.
Key responsibilities include:
Buying & Procurement
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Develop and execute the buying strategy for spirits, aligning with company goals and market trends.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with distilleries, producers, and distributors globally.
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Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to maximise value and margin.
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Lead category planning and range development across premium+ and emerging spirit segments.
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Monitor global and local market trends to inform buying decisions and identify growth opportunities.
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Ensure all procurement activities adhere to regulatory standards and support sustainability goals.
Own Label Bottlings
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Lead the development and execution of own label spirit products, from concept to shelf.
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Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on product formulation, packaging, branding, and compliance.
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Ensure own label offerings meet quality, commercial, and brand standards while differentiating the portfolio in the market.
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Manage timelines, budgets, and supplier relationships specific to own label initiatives.
Key Relationships
- Internal: MD, Leadership Team, direct teams and key stakeholders across the business.
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External: Key suppliers, strategic brand partners, industry bodies, journalists.
Key skills and Knowledge
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Strong buying, category and product selection expertise, with sound knowledge of premium spirits, whisky and related drinks categories.
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Excellent commercial acumen across pricing, margin, stock investment, supplier terms and product performance.
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Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills, including access to exclusives and strategically important stock.
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Good understanding of supply chain, import/export, inventory, merchandising and product availability processes.
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Experience managing own-label bottlings, single cask programmes or exclusive product development from sourcing through to launch.
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Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop the Buying team and influence cross-functional partners.
Leadership & Collaboration
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Lead and inspire high-performing teams across buying, Old & Rare and own label development functions.
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Role model the leadership behaviours and Internal Company Values with a focus on Sustainability & Responsibility, Health & Safety and an inclusive One Team environment across the company
- Work cross-functionally with Digital, Creative Marketing, Finance, and Operations to deliver integrated commercial plans.
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Report on performance metrics including margin, sales growth and supplier performance.
Ensure sales, margin and stock targets are hit monthly and yearly in line with company objectives.
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The Way We Perform
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We Collaborate
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We Deliver Results Effectively
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We Grow Diverse Teams
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We are Consumer & Customer Centric
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We Foster Growth Mindset
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We Drive Engagement
Our Values
- Grounded in the Real
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Passion for Challenge
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Fiercely Authentic
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Connected Beyond Borders
Speciality Drinks Ltd (t/a The Whisky Exchange) operates across a diverse portfolio of channels:
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The Whisky Exchange - An award-winning e-commerce platform offering more than 5,000 whiskies, spirits, liqueurs and Champagnes to customers in over 65 countries.
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TWE Trade - A leading supplier of premium spirits and Champagnes to some of the UK's most prestigious bars, restaurants and hospitality venues.
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Retail Stores - Three flagship stores in Central London, providing expert advice, tastings, masterclasses and seamless click-and-collect services alongside an extensive product range.
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Old & Rare - A trusted destination for collectors, investors and enthusiasts seeking exceptional and highly sought-after spirits.
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Whisky.Auction - One of the leading online auction platforms in the rapidly growing secondary market for whisky, spirits and fine wine.
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Events & Experiences - Creators of the UK's leading whisky, tequila, cognac and rum shows, bringing together brands, experts and consumers to share knowledge, discover new products and celebrate a passion for spirits.
Driven by expertise, authenticity and a commitment to excellence, The Whisky Exchange Group continues to connect people with the world's finest spirits through retail, trade, auctions, events and unforgettable customer experiences.
