About Us
John George is a family run business that has been trading since 1725. The company provides nails, woodscrews, bolts & nuts, fixings & fastenings, fencing, sealants, ironmongery and building products to trade customers such as builders merchants, fencing suppliers, roofing merchants and DIY outlets.
Over the years John George has developed a number of brands to meet the needs of a technologically advancing building and DIY trade. These include Super Drive, Exocet, Fence-Pro, Gate-Pro, Timberfast, Impact and Teknix.
Our customers benefit from a fast, efficient nationwide service delivered from our own depots, on our own vehicles. This gives us the flexibility to meet the requirements of our customers, large and small.
Our vision to be the most consistently dependable and trustworthy supplier to our customers is supported by our core company values:
- Customer first
- Being one team
- Own it & get it done
- Creating a positive, inclusive environment
- Seeing beyond your goals
We are seeking a well-educated, Company Buying Manager, who is bright, experienced, ambitious and keen to drive our business to be even better, and who can take real ownership of their team.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Buying Manager to take full ownership of our purchasing function. This is a senior, standalone role with real influence across the business. You will be responsible for shaping buying strategy while also managing the day to day operational buying that keeps our shelves stocked and our customers happy.
This role would suit someone who is commercially sharp, highly organised and comfortable switching between long term planning and hands on problem solving. You will work closely with Sales, Operations and Finance to ensure we have the right products, at the right price, in the right place, at the right time.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic
- Develop and deliver the overall buying and category strategy across the company product ranges
- Build strong, long term relationships with key suppliers in the UK and overseas
- Lead commercial negotiations on pricing, rebates, terms and supply agreements
- Identify opportunities for range development, product & packaging innovation and margin & operational improvements
- Monitor market trends, raw material movements and competitor activity to inform pricing and sourcing decisions
- Support the development and growth of own brand and exclusive product lines
Operational
- Manage day to day purchasing activity to maintain optimum stock levels across all depots
- Oversee demand forecasting and replenishment planning using sales data and seasonal trends
- Work closely with Warehouse and Operations teams to balance availability, stock turn and storage capacity
- Resolve supply issues, shortages and quality concerns quickly and effectively
- Maintain accurate product, supplier and pricing data within the ERP system
- Ensure all products, packaging and shipping materials meet required quality, compliance and safety standards
- Maintain and operate any statutory or regulatory requirements with regards to products
Financial and Commercial
- Take accountability for buying budgets, stock holding and working capital
- Drive margin improvement through effective negotiation, range rationalisation and supplier performance management
- Analyse sales and margin data to inform buying decisions and promotional activity
- Contribute to pricing strategy in partnership with the Sales function
Supplier and Stakeholder Management
- Act as the main point of contact for suppliers
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews covering service, quality, lead times and cost
- Work cross functionally to ensure alignment between buying, sales forecasts and operational capacity
- Provide product insight and support to the Sales team to help win and retain business
What Success Looks Like
- High product availability with reduced emergency buying
- Improved stock turn and controlled stock holding
- Strong supplier partnerships with measurable commercial benefit
- Clear, data led range decisions that drive sales and margin
- A buying function that is proactive, not reactive
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in a senior buying or procurement role, ideally within industrial fasteners, fixings, building products or a related trade environment
- Strong commercial negotiation skills with a track record of delivering cost savings and improved terms
- Experience managing stock, forecasting and supply planning in a multi site environment
- Comfortable working with data, reports and ERP systems
- Able to operate both strategically and tactically in a standalone role
- Good understanding of supply chains, including imported goods
- Confident communicator who can build credibility with suppliers and internal teams
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who:
- Takes real ownership and accountability
- Is practical, proactive and solutions focused
- Can see the big picture while still caring about the detail
- Builds strong working relationships across all levels
- Is comfortable in a hands on, evolving business rather than a rigid corporate structure
- Wants to make a genuine impact on the success of the company
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to take full responsibility for a critical function in a well-established, values driven business. You will have the autonomy to shape how buying is done, the support of an experienced leadership team, and the chance to make a visible difference to performance and growth.
Reporting to
Managing Director
Salary
Competitive package to include a profit share bonus scheme.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
Work Location: In person
