Role Overview
House of Decant is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to lead our wine and spirits procurement strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of buying, brand activation, and commercialising supplier agreements, ensuring a dynamic and profitable portfolio. 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 House of Decant's 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 (Light Touch)
* 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 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.