Wine and Spirits Buyer - London
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.