Group Head of Category

Description

Group Head of Own Brand Sourcing (Maternity Cover, 12 months) Nisbets Limited are currently recruiting for a Group Head of Own Brand Sourcing (mat cover) to join our Group Own Brand team, leading the sourcing strategy across a diverse portfolio including Light Equipment, Consumables, Cleaning, Clothing and Furniture. As the Group Head of Own Brand Sourcing at Nisbets, you will work closely with our global sourcing teams to maximise commercial opportunities, improve supplier relationships and deliver outstanding own-brand product ranges that meet the needs of our customers. You will play a key role in shaping long-term sourcing strategies, leading new product development initiatives and ensuring responsible sourcing standards are embedded throughout the supply chain. This is a highly strategic and commercially focused role, requiring strong leadership, supplier negotiation expertise and the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple business functions. You will collaborate with our sourcing offices in China and India as well as Product, Quality, Compliance, Inventory and Commercial teams to deliver profitable growth while supporting the wider business objectives of Nisbets and the Bunzl Group. While our offices are based in Avonmouth, Bristol we are open to fully remote working if our ideal candidate is not locally based. For those local to Bristol, we offer a default hybrid model. Full handover will be provided. Ideal start date January/February 2027. Key Accountabilities

Lead the Own Brand sourcing strategy across multiple product categories, driving profitability, growth and working capital improvements. Develop and deliver new product introduction (NPI) programmes and range plans, working with regional teams to create a world-class own-brand proposition. Ensure products are sourced on the best possible commercial terms, identifying new sourcing opportunities and strengthening existing supplier partnerships. Work closely with global sourcing teams, factories and suppliers to improve commercial performance and supplier capability. Lead and deliver strategic change initiatives across the Own Brand function. Partner with Quality and Compliance teams to ensure product compliance, reduce returns and proactively respond to future legislative changes and market trends. Use market, customer and supplier insights to develop and execute brand strategies over a 12 to 36-month horizon. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across Nisbets and the wider Bunzl Group. Collaborate with Inventory teams to improve supplier performance, OTIF measures and supply chain reliability. Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing sourcing team across multiple business areas.

Capabilities, Skills and Experience Required

Significant experience within Buying, Product Management or Sourcing, with a strong commercial focus. Proven experience negotiating with suppliers and driving commercial improvements. Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing high-performing teams. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Strong analytical skills and confidence using data to support decision-making. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Customer-focused approach with strong problem-solving capabilities. Experience within the catering, hospitality or related product sectors would be beneficial but is not essential. Ability to lead through collaboration, drive change, develop talent and deliver results through others.