Buying Manager – Gifting and Food

Buying Manager – Gifting and Food

Up to £55,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days, Monday-Friday. Based full-time onsite - BA22 7AE

Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role

Advert closes: 20 April 2026

🔗Take a look at our Commerce Site

🔗Take a look at our website

🔗Read the full job description here

A rare opportunity to shape and lead one of The Newt’s most distinctive product areas, bringing together commercial thinking, creativity and exceptional leadership across gifting and food.

Our Buying Manager – Gifting and Food

Reporting to the Head of Product, the Buying Manager will not only lead the Buying Team but will also act as the driving force behind our gifting and food categories. From beautifully curated hampers and gift food to our grocery offer, this is a role for someone who lives and breathes product: equal parts commercial brain, creative instinct and inspiring team leader.

You’ll craft hampers that customers can’t resist, spot emerging trends before they hit the mainstream, and translate customer insight into commercially successful ranges. Owning the critical path from concept to launch, you’ll work closely with both internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring every product lands on time, on budget and unmistakably Newty in both quality and character.

You’ll build, develop and motivate a high-performing Buying Team, fostering a collaborative, curious and accountable culture. Leading by example, you’ll empower your team to take ownership, grow their expertise and deliver exceptional results, while creating an environment where creativity and commerciality thrive together.

Commercially sharp and quick on your feet, you’ll interrogate trade performance, trust your instincts and act decisively on the numbers. Comfortable juggling priorities and spinning multiple plates, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days look the same. Attention to detail matters here – from packaging choices to margin mix. You’ll have a genuine passion for gifting, brand storytelling and product innovation, knowing the competition inside out and bringing a confident, well-informed perspective on the UK market. Just as importantly, you’ll embody the spirit of The Newt: collaborative, ambitious and always striving for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the vision and delivery of new and seasonal gifting and food ranges from concept to launch
• Manage, coach and inspire the Buying Team across multiple product categories
• Curate commercially successful assortments across hampers, gift food and grocery
• Drive margin, budget and trade performance through strong commercial decision-making
• Partner closely with Merchandising, NPD, Retail and Marketing to deliver standout launches on time
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating on cost, quality and compliance
• Shape a cohesive product offer across retail, e-commerce, hospitality and wholesale channels
• Spot trends early and ensure every product reflects The Newt’s quality, character and brand story

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with
• opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• Significant buying experience in hampers, gifting or food within a luxury, premium or branded retail environment
• Proven experience owning category performance, budgets and margins
• Strong team leadership skills with the ability to develop, motivate and empower others
• Excellent commercial judgement with advanced analytical and financial capability
• Strong packaging project management and supplier management experience
• Deep understanding of the UK gifting and hamper market and emerging trends
• Highly organised, resilient and confident working at pace across multiple priorities
• Strong Excel skills and a sharp eye for detail

Where you’ll be working

The Product Team is responsible for every aspect of product across the estate covering retail in our shops and online, products for hospitality, events and wholesale. The team includes buying and merchandising, new product development, packaging and procurement.

The Product Team work alongside the various internal departments to help to develop the product proposition of the key pillars of the estate: hotel, gardens, visitor attractions as well as the butchery, creamery, productive growing and bakery, adding products that complement these pillars and fit with The Newt’s vision: prioritising seasonality, sourcing or producing the highest quality products, and using local suppliers where possible.

Who are we- The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

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