Purchasing and Trading Manager

The Fine Wine Purchasing and Trading Manager plays a crucial role in the company's operations by identifying, evaluating, and securing wine lots from various suppliers.

This multifaceted position demands an in depth understanding of the nuanced and ever-changing wine market, exceptional negotiation skills to ensure the best deals and a well-established network of reliable and high-quality suppliers.

Additionally, the Fine Wine Purchasing and Trading Manager is responsible for monitoring market trends, analysing pricing strategies, and cultivating strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the industry.

Profile required:

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or a related field. • Minimum 5 years of experience in the wine industry, with a focus on purchasing and/or trading.
2. Strong understanding of the wine market, including production regions, grape varieties, and quality factors.
3. Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
4. Proficiency in using Excel and other relevant software.
5. Proficiency in French and English in order to liaise with suppliers and customers globally.
6. Ability to travel internationally as needed.

- Skill and Competencies:

1. Market Knowledge: Deep knowledge of fine wine market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape.
2. Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and industry professionals.
3. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to evaluate market and pricing data, analyse purchasing trends, and make informed decisions.
4. Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and solve problems related to sourcing, negotiation, and supply chain management.
5. Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with quality standards.

- Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Management:

1. Existing Suppliers: Continuously nurture and maintain strong relationships with our current suppliers to ensure a steady and reliable flow of high-quality wine products.
2. New Suppliers: Actively seek out and establish productive partnerships with new suppliers to diversify and broaden the company's sourcing options, focusing on quality and reliability.
3. Supplier Performance: Thoroughly assess and monitor supplier performance, making evaluations based on criteria such as product quality, timeliness of deliveries, and competitive pricing.

Lot Sourcing and Negotiation:

1. Market Research: This involves conducting in-depth market research to identify potential wine lots that align with the company's objectives and meet consumer demand, industry trends, and market dynamics. This could include evaluating consumer preferences, wine quality benchmarks, pricing strategies, and market positioning of different wine lots.
2. Lot Evaluation: Lot evaluation encompasses a comprehensive assessment of potential wine lots, considering their quality, quantity, pricing, market demand, vineyard reputation, production methods, and certifications or awards. It also involves assessing the consistency, uniqueness, and potential market value of the lots in question.
3. Negotiation: Negotiating terms and conditions for wine purchases requires careful consideration of various aspects such as price, payment terms, volume discounts, exclusivity arrangements, delivery schedules, condition of goods upon delivery, quality standards, and potential future collaborations. It involves building mutually beneficial relationships with wine suppliers and carefully crafting agreements that align with the company's procurement objectives and long-term business goals

Allocation and Pricing:

1. Allocation: Involves determining the most efficient distribution of wine lots across different sales channels and markets, considering the levels of demand and profitability in each. This entails carefully assessing each channel’s and market's demand, margin potential, and strategically assigning wine lots to maximise overall returns.
2. Pricing: The objective is to devise pricing strategies that not only ensure competitiveness within the market but also optimise sales and profitability for wine products. This involves considering various factors such as market dynamics, product positioning, and customer preferences to set prices that strike the right balance between value for customers and profitability for the business

Reporting and Analysis:

1. Reporting: To regularly furnish the CEO with comprehensive reports. These reports should encompass a detailed analysis of market trends, supplier performance, and purchasing activities.
2. Analysis: Conducting an in-depth examination of purchasing data is vital for identifying potential cost-saving opportunities and areas for process improvements, thereby contributing to the organisation's overall efficiency and profitability