[Hiring] Group Head of Category @Nisbets

Role Description

Nisbets Limited are currently recruiting for a Group Head of Own Brand Sourcing (maternity 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 customer needs.
• Shape long-term sourcing strategies and lead new product development initiatives.
• Ensure responsible sourcing standards are embedded throughout the supply chain.
• Collaborate with sourcing offices in China and India as well as Product, Quality, Compliance, Inventory, and Commercial teams.

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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Equality of opportunity for all colleagues.
• Workplaces free from discrimination.
• Support for reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process.

Company Description

Nisbets is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all colleagues. We aim to ensure our workplaces are free from discrimination and that not only colleagues but also our potential future colleagues are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

Here at Nisbets, we aim high and we dream big. From a one-man operation in 1983 to the UK’s market leader today – it’s always been our determination to hit whatever goal we set ourselves, no matter how big. And we’ve done it time and time again.

We’re looking for experts. Passionate, forward thinkers who obsess about our customers as much as we do. We need strivers, trailblazers, and problem solvers who are as determined to grow, develop, and succeed as we are.

We’re determined to take the next step. But we need your help to do it. It’s all about you.

If you’re looking for a forward-thinking business on which to leave your mark; where your work is valued; where you’ll test your skills and then develop them further than you thought you could - Nisbets is for you.

You’ll be pushing the boundaries with us, day in day out. You’ll work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. You’ll collaborate with a wide range of other experts around the business, bringing big ideas to life, and play a leading role in taking our journey to the next level.

We are a business with heart. From the small indie diner to the Michelin-star restaurant, Nisbets delivers the equipment they need to excel. If you join our team, you’ll be working in a family-owned business that isn’t afraid to let you grow. That understands the value of innovation. And that puts our impact on the environment, our commitment to ethical trading, and our determination to be a fully transparent business at the forefront of all we do.

Ready to take the next step with us? Apply today.