Buying & Operations Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +3 more states.

📋 Description

• Identify up-and-coming US brands and products prior to their mainstream popularity, determining which ones should be included in the Zapp selection.

• Develop and maintain relationships with US brands and suppliers, from initial outreach to finalized agreements.

• Ideally possess an existing network of brand connections to leverage.

• Negotiate pricing, delivery, and payment terms that safeguard margins and mitigate risks.

• Manage the complete logistics involved in transporting stock from the US to our UK distribution center: including freight forwarding, warehousing, customs and import compliance, as well as relabelling to align with UK standards.

• Establish the processes, partners, and controls that enable the US supply chain to scale effectively as demand increases.

• Utilize demand data and sales trends to forecast, plan purchases, and oversee inventory, aiming to minimize stockouts and overstock situations.

• Ensure every product complies with UK food safety, labelling, and regulatory standards prior to reaching store shelves.

• Collaborate across Buying, Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations to deliver a cohesive customer offering.

⛳️ Requirements

• Background in buying, category management, or supply chain, preferably in the food, grocery, or FMCG sectors.

• Ideally, a proven history of developing or managing international supply chains; experience with US-to-UK imports (including freight forwarding, customs, and labelling) is a significant advantage.

• Strong commercial acumen: adept at sourcing brands, negotiating agreements, and cultivating supplier relationships from the ground up.

• Excellent analytical abilities: proficient in utilizing data to forecast demand, create business cases, and inform decisions.

• Energetic self-starter who excels in uncertain environments, makes informed decisions with limited information, and anticipates problems before they escalate.

• Persuasive communicator who can influence both internal and external stakeholders, assertively challenges when necessary, and consistently finds solutions.

• Openness to travel throughout the US and to London as required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary & equity package