Assistant Buying Manager

Summary

£52,800* up to £70,400 *per annum | 35 days’ holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme

Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a whole lot in common. We’re motivated, commercially aware and ready to take on any challenge.

At Lidl, our Buyers don’t just fill shelves; they define them. They are the powerhouse behind our market-leading position, influencing everything from the initial taste test to the final price tag. You’ll play a major role in influencing every aspect of the range of goods that we offer to our customers: from which products we sell, to the way they look and taste, developing our supply base and continuing to drive our market-leading position.

As an Assistant Buying Manager, you’ve already spent a few years honing your craft—now it’s time to apply that expertise on an international scale.

This isn’t a role for those who want to blend into the background. You’ll be right in the thick of it: navigating our stores, developing innovative products, and negotiating high-stakes contracts. We’re looking for a proactive professional who is ready to own their category and has the clear ambition to step up to Buying Manager and beyond.

You’ll excel in our fast moving, highly pressured environment where every voice is valued! You’ll have a genuine passion for food retail, a ‘get things done’ attitude and the desire to become an expert in your field. You’ll be a self-motivated and intuitive individual with a strong drive. Our 1000 + stores rely on your expertise in selecting the right products for our customers.

At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office, where you can enjoy an on-site gym, restaurant, and more of the perks you deserve. And with up to two days at home, you’ll find the work/life balance you need to thrive.

What you'll do

• Consider yourself to be a Foodie – you’re our product developer after all
• Be comfortable in supporting your Head of Department making multi million pound decisions and devising solutions to complex problems – you help drive the decisions for your categories
• You will be expected to lead a category and assume responsibility and accountability for everything from the tasting of samples to the sign off of packaging design – our success is down to you
• Manage the critical path from product concept to launch into our depots and ensure the stock arrives on time
• Entrepreneurial flair with a talent for negotiating and networking at the highest levels – you’ll be in daily discussions with not only Account Managers, but also Commercial and Managing Directors of some of the UK’s biggest manufactures
• Be confident presenting to Buying Directors and Board Directors internally
• Use your sharp analytical skills along with the ability to identify trends, forecast sales and analyse data to support commercial decisions but don’t be afraid to go with your gut feeling
• You will be in position to negotiate the best possible commercial terms for the business with a drive for achieving outstanding results
• Constantly striving to improve our customer offer. Getting better never stops.
• Collaborate with your fellow buyers and colleagues in other departments, but ultimately have the initiative to drive your own work independently
• Spinning lots of plates at any one time – multi tasking has to be your thing!

What you'll need

• Current early experience working as a buyer within retail is essential for this role
• You aren't just managing categories; you’re driving them. (Food retail experience is a plus, but your commercial mindset is what matters most)
• A genuine love for food retail and a drive to become a true expert in the field
• You’ll have a proven track record of negotiating high-volume contracts and securing the best possible value.
• A 'get things done' attitude and the intuition to know what our customers want before they do
• You will have the presence and confidence to pitch bold ideas and the data-backed conviction to stand by them
• A direct communicator who knows how to influence stakeholders at every level
• Works well under pressure and to tight and often conflicting deadlines
• German language skills are a great bonus, but not a deal breaker
• Possession of a full UK driving licence
• Already live - or happy to relocate - within a one-hour commute of Lidl GB Head Office, Tolworth, Surrey

What you'll receive

• 35 days holiday (pro rata)
• 10% in-store discount
• Enhanced family leave
• Pension scheme
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment

If you’re ready to get stuck in, want to get more out of your career and make a real difference, find your place at Lidl and apply now.

*includes 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance