Managing Director, Stores and Buying

Wynnstay Group is seeking an inspiring, visionary and commercially astute Managing Director of Stores & Buying to lead one of the most important parts of our business.

This is a pivotal executive leadership role with responsibility for driving the future of Wynnstay's retail store network and Group Buying function, ensuring both operate as one integrated commercial engine that delivers sustainable growth, exceptional customer experiences and long-term value for our customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a key role in delivering Wynnstay's long-term growth ambitions. You will lead the evolution of our stores into the first-choice destination for farmers, rural businesses and local communities, while ensuring our buying strategy delivers the right products, at the right price, through strong supplier partnerships and disciplined commercial management.

As the leader of a diverse team across multiple locations, you will inspire and develop high-performing colleagues, creating a culture that combines commercial excellence with outstanding customer service. You will work closely with colleagues across Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing and People & Culture to translate strategy into action and ensure every store reflects the values, reputation and ambition of Wynnstay.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of a well-established and highly respected business at the heart of UK agriculture. We are looking for a leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence, someone who is passionate about customers, energised by change and motivated by the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy across our store network, communities and industry.

If you are an ambitious commercial leader with Retail and Buying experience, who enjoys building great teams, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering sustainable business growth, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

Lead the overall commercial performance of Wynnstay's Stores and Buying functions, with full accountability for revenue, margin, profitability and long-term growth.

Execute the board approved strategy for Wynnstay Stores, positioning them as the trusted destination for farmers, rural businesses and local communities.

Develop innovative fulfilment, logistics and omnichannel solutions, including drop shipment partnerships and digital sales channels, to enhance customer experience, extend product availability and support future growth

Deliver commercial goals that support the Group's long-term growth ambitions and financial objectives.

Drive sales growth through effective pricing, promotions, category management, merchandising and customer engagement initiatives.

Provide strategic leadership for the Group Buying function, ensuring purchasing decisions support profitability, customer demand and operational efficiency.

Lead strategic Joint Business Planning with key suppliers, creating long-term partnerships that deliver commercial value, innovation, category growth and competitive advantage.

Oversee stock management, demand forecasting and inventory planning to optimise availability, customer satisfaction and working capital performance.

Lead the performance and development of Wynnstay's store network, creating a culture of accountability, energy, ownership and continuous improvement.

Ensure stores remain visible and valued within the communities they serve, strengthening Wynnstay's reputation and local relationships.

Monitor trading performance, identify opportunities and risks, and implement actions that drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all regulatory, governance and operational standards.

Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to business strategy, organisational development and the future growth of Wynnstay Group. 
 

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

Significant senior leadership experience leading large-scale retail, commercial, wholesale or trading operations within a complex multi-site environment.

A proven track record of delivering transformational growth, improving customer experience and building high-performing teams.

Strong commercial and financial acumen with deep understanding of revenue, margin, stock, working capital and operational performance drivers.

Experience leading buying, commercial planning, category management or procurement functions.

Experience developing and executing strategic supplier partnerships, including the creation and delivery of Joint Business Plans that drive mutual growth, innovation and commercial performance.

Strong understanding of modern retail and omnichannel trading, including digital marketing, e-commerce and customer acquisition strategies.

Experience leveraging online marketing channels to drive footfall, customer engagement and sales growth across physical and digital environments.

Knowledge of drop shipment and direct fulfilment models, with the ability to identify opportunities to expand product ranges, improve customer choice and optimise working capital.

Experience developing specialised logistics, fulfilment or distribution solutions that improve customer service, availability and operational efficiency.

A highly visible and engaging leadership style, with the ability to inspire colleagues and build follower ship across a geographically dispersed workforce. 

Desirable:

Experience operating within a PLC or multi-site environment. 

Experience within agricultural, retail, wholesale or distribution sectors. 

Experience operating within performance-led commercial environments. 

Familiarity with structured commercial governance and performance management approaches.

Benefits:

Competitive salary

Employee Assistance Programme with BUPA

Company profit related pay scheme

Management performance related bonus

Company vehicle

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance x2 Salary

25 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays

Employee discount at Wynnstay Stores

Opportunity to join a supportive, values-led organisation with a turnover of £613 million and over 800 colleagues nationwide