Buyer – Wine & Spirits
Reporting to: Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer
Location: Mayfair
Working Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 to 18:00 – Wednesday & Friday working from home.
Salary: £45,000 - £60,000
Benefits: Pension, 23 Days Holiday, Life Assurance, Income Protection, Employee Assistance Programme, Christmas Off! Cycle to Work.
The City Recruiter is hiring on behalf of a prestigious client in the luxury drinks industry, seeking an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to lead their wine and spirits procurement strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a premium retailer and private client platform, curating an exceptional selection of fine wines and spirits for a discerning clientele.
Operating from an exclusive Mayfair office with a dedicated tasting suite and client lounge overlooking Green Park, this role offers the chance to collaborate with industry-leading suppliers, activate premium brands, and drive a data-led, commercially successful buying strategy.
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Buyer with a deep understanding of brand activation, supplier negotiations, and commercialising supplier agreements. The ideal candidate will have strong industry relationships, a keen eye for trends, and the ability to manage stock efficiently, keeping holding levels low while maximising availability.
Key Responsibilities
Buying & Supplier Management
* Source and negotiate with premium and emerging wine and spirits brands.
* Build strong supplier relationships to secure exclusive allocations and favourable commercial terms.
* Ensure a balanced portfolio that aligns with brand positioning and customer demand.
Brand Activation & Commercialisation
* Work closely with marketing and partnerships teams to activate key brands in meaningful ways.
* Secure added-value opportunities within agreements, such as events, content, and co-branded initiatives.
* Identify and leverage trends in the luxury wine and spirits space to drive commercial success.
Stock & Commercial Strategy
* Develop a demand-driven approach to stock management, minimising risk and ensuring optimal availability.
* Collaborate with finance and logistics teams to monitor purchasing efficiency and maintain healthy margins.
* Ensure forecasting and buying decisions are data-led, aligning with both retail and on-trade opportunities.
Market Insight & Investment Awareness
* Maintain an awareness of the fine wine and spirits market, including trends in collectability and appreciation.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify high-potential bottles or allocations.
Key Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in wine and spirits buying, preferably within luxury, retail, or distribution.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to structure deals that drive margin and sales growth.
* Knowledge of brand-building, activations, and how to leverage supplier partnerships.
* Excellent industry relationships and a track record of securing competitive agreements.
* Data-driven mindset with a focus on stock efficiency and demand planning.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a focus on agility and innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in shaping a leading wine and spirits business, working at the heart of the industry in one of London's most prestigious locations. If you have a passion for fine wines, commercial expertise, and a flair for supplier negotiations, we want to hear from you!