Craig Jones
Castleford,UK
Summary
Results-driven Senior Buyer with 15+ years of experience in retail, wholesale, and procurement. Expertise in managing high-value categories and developing supplier relationships, leading to significant sales growth and cost savings. Recognised for strong negotiation skills and data-driven decision-making, consistently exceeding business targets. Proficient in category strategy development, P&L management, and mentoring junior talent in dynamic commercial environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Convenience Buying Manager – Soft Drinks
Morrisons
Bradford
2023.01 - 2026.02
- Achieved significant sales growth and profitability improvements in a critical convenience category through strategic category management. Optimised supplier performance by successfully coordinating 20 joint business plans with 35 suppliers annually. Empowered buyers to excel in complex negotiations through training sessions focused on advanced negotiation strategies.
- Executed comprehensive range resets in +1300 stores, utilising market analysis to optimise product placement and increase customer interaction.
- Analysed financial data and market trends to develop and execute margin improvement strategies that optimise profitability and bolster competitive position.
- Implemented commercial terms harmonisation using key negotiation tactics which lead to significant commercial performance improvement.
- Executed detailed market and range analysis, utilising industry insights to enhance customer-first propositions in line with commercial objectives.
- Utilised data analytics and performance metrics to deliver commercial KPIs consistently, thereby improving operational effectiveness.
- Designed comprehensive strategic frameworks leveraging cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational efficiency across various departments within the organisation.
- Utilised advanced project management techniques to increase commercial income by 150% in year 3, thereby improving financial performance and market competitiveness.
- Coordinated nationwide rollout of chilled and ambient equipment to establish branded bays for Red Bull energy zones, focusing on project management and retail optimisation.
- Executed strategic negotiations resulting in £5m in COGS savings on core brands, thereby facilitating enhancements in retail offerings for consumers.
- Lead and manage buying assistants using strategic planning and skill-building initiatives.
Wholesale Buying Manager – Soft Drinks, Crisps & Biscuits
Morrisons
Bradford
2021.10 - 2022.12
- Managed £52m turnover to drive growth and enhance market position within high-profile impulse categories.
- Developed joint business plans to enhance collaborative efforts and drive sales growth.
- Conducted commercial negotiations to optimise cost efficiencies and strengthen supplier relationships.
- Implemented supply chain initiatives and forecasting improvements to enhance operational efficiency and minimise waste.
Wholesale Buying Manager – Beers, Wines & Spirits
Morrisons
Bradford
2019.07 - 2021.10
- Managed £87m turnover across wholesale and franchise channels to optimise revenue generation and enhance market reach.
- Navigated complex Covid-era supply chain challenges to ensure reliable product availability and maximise operational efficiency.
- Achieved £25m sales growth and improved margin by 1.7% year-on-year to support overall business profitability.
- Secured £1m in additional business and £100k in cost improvements to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Collaborated with McColl's to create joint strategic plans aimed at maximising promotional calendar effectiveness and media activation.
Trading Controller – Core Grocery
NISA
Bradford
2017.01 - 2019.07
- Managed £25.5m ownership across canned desserts and home baking categories to drive category growth and brand presence.
- Facilitated transition from -9.3% decline to +6.4% growth to enhance overall business performance and resilience.
- Generated £1.8m in annual commercial income and contributed £200k through effective buy-for-less strategies to enhance profitability.
- Led cost harmonisation initiatives in partnership with co-operative stakeholders. Represented Nisa in strategic negotiations across multiple retailers to align objectives. Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, driving collaborative efforts for project success.
- Formulated grey market buying strategies to support overall business objectives and drive increased sales via alternative routes.
- Secured seasonal campaign success to enhance supplier partnerships and drive income growth.
Category Buyer – Ambient Food
NHS Supply Chain
Normanton
2012.10 - 2017.01
- Managed £18m spend and collaborated with 40+ suppliers to ensure operational efficiency across 400 NHS retail outlets.
- Achieved substantial cost savings exceeding £2m through implementation of effective commercial strategies and optimisation of tender processes.
- Executed VAT savings projects for NHS to enhance budget management and resource allocation.
- Drove cold beverage growth to enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.
- Achieved new business wins worth £1m+ to contribute to overall revenue generation and market expansion.
Education
Qualified -
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
LeedsA Levels - Business Studies, Sport Studies, Science, AS Level: Mathematics
New College Pontefract
Pontefract 2004.01 - 1 2007
10 GCSEs - English and Mathematics
Castleford High School
Castleford 1999.01 - 1 2004
Skills
- Category strategy development
- Supplier relationship management
- Joint business planning
- Sales growth strategy
- Market insights analysis
- Commercial KPI delivery
- Negotiation leadership
- Team mentoring
- Cross-channel strategy
- CIPS certification
- Market trend analysis
- Financial modelling
- Cost-reduction strategies
- Commercial acumen
- Category Management
- Communication proficiency
Timeline
Convenience Buying Manager – Soft Drinks
Morrisons
2023.01 - 2026.02
Wholesale Buying Manager – Soft Drinks, Crisps & Biscuits
Morrisons
2021.10 - 2022.12
Wholesale Buying Manager – Beers, Wines & Spirits
Morrisons
2019.07 - 2021.10
Trading Controller – Core Grocery
NISA
2017.01 - 2019.07
Category Buyer – Ambient Food
NHS Supply Chain
2012.10 - 2017.01
A Levels - Business Studies, Sport Studies, Science, AS Level: Mathematics
New College Pontefract
2004.01 - 1 2007
10 GCSEs - English and Mathematics
Castleford High School
1999.01 - 1 2004
Qualified -
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)