Commercial Manager - Buying & Brand Development

Epicurium is looking for a commercially sharp, hands-on leader who can improve gross profit, release cash from stock and build outstanding partnerships with the challenger and emerging brands that make our business distinctive.

This is not a role for someone who wants to manage from a spreadsheet at a distance. You will lead a small, developing Buying and Purchasing function, work directly in the detail when required and create the disciplines, team and supplier relationships we need for the next stage of growth.

A note on fit: we’re looking for someone who wants to build something here over years, not collect a senior title on the way to somewhere bigger. If your next move is already the priority, this isn’t the role for you.

About Epicurium

Epicurium is a specialist wholesaler and distribution partner for innovative snacking brands. We help customers discover products with genuine potential and help ambitious brands turn good ideas into successful launches, sustainable distribution and long-term growth.

Our ambition is to become the first-choice commercial and distribution partner for the best challenger and emerging brands - while using established brands intelligently to strengthen the economics that support innovation.

The opportunity

The Commercial Manager will connect supplier strategy, customer demand, stock investment, Sales, Marketing and Operations. You will improve how we buy today while helping determine which brands, categories and distribution opportunities Epicurium should build tomorrow.

The role sits in Epicurium’s senior team alongside the Managing Director, Operations Director and Finance Manager and reports directly to the Managing Director. That seniority is about the scope of the job, not a status perch - you will be as likely to be sorting a delivery problem or working a stock query personally as sitting in a strategy meeting.

What you will own

• ● Deliver measurable gross-profit improvement through intelligent sourcing, negotiation, supplier development and disciplined buying.
• ● Release cash from excess, duplicated and slow-moving stock while protecting appropriate availability.
• ● Improve forecasting, ordering, purchasing controls and supplier performance; consolidate orders and reduce avoidable small inbound deliveries.
• ● Optimise opportunities available through our wholesale group, other wholesalers and non-direct sources where commercially appropriate.
• ● Build excellent relationships with challenger and emerging brands; spot trends early; gain visibility of NPD and pursue appropriate exclusivity or distribution opportunities.
• ● Work with Sales and Marketing to create joined-up launches and campaigns and secure the right supplier pricing, support and investment.
• ● Build and lead Buying and Purchasing: work directly in the function when needed, develop realistic potential and identify structural or recruitment needs.

What success will look like

• ● Higher gross profit, stronger supplier value and cash released from stock.
• ● Healthier stock turn, age and availability; more accurate forecasts and fewer inefficient inbound deliveries.
• ● A reliable Buying and Purchasing function with clear controls, priorities and accountability.
• ● Stronger challenger-brand growth, quicker launches and better customer penetration.

About you

• ● You have substantial buying, procurement or commercial experience in food/FMCG, wholesale, distribution or foodservice and are highly numerate on margin, cash, stock and supplier economics.
• ● You value the autonomy and impact available in a smaller company and want to build lasting value rather than simply collect a title.
• ● You’d rather be measured on the gross profit and cash you actually released than on your job title.
• ● You enjoy solving commercial puzzles and can move confidently between strategy and operational detail.
• ● You are genuinely curious about food innovation, challenger brands and the drivers behind consumer trends.
• ● You are self-assured, appropriately confident in your abilities and comfortable challenging constructively.
• ● You are willing to get stuck in and take direct responsibility when the situation requires it.

Location and package

This role is office-based at Epicurium’s Consett headquarters. You must be able to work from Consett on a regular working basis. Supplier/trade-show travel and occasional UK visits are a built-in requirement.

Package: £45,000-£50,000 depending on experience, plus a bonus of up to 10%, pension, laptop, phone and annual salary review.

You will need to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

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