Buying Assistant

Buying Assistant - Glendola Leisure Group

Location:         Initially primarily based at the Group Support Office, Harlington, for the first three months.

This would then reduce to a minimum of 3 days before moving to hot desking within our operational units.

Hours:             Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Salary:             Starting Salary Up to £30k - including Tronc, dependant on experience, £1k Annual Bonus Opportunity

Travel:             Parking is available at our Harlington Support Office.  The office is also served by the Overground and Elizabeth Line at Hayes & Harlington (22 Minutes from Paddington), with a connecting bus to the office. Travel to our businesses in within the city centres can be done by public transport.

The Role:

We are looking for a Buying Assistant to work closely with the Group Buyer to support the supply of products and services in the UK for The Foundation Group of Companies. 

The Group Buyer is responsible for strategizing to ensure the best quality products or services are purchased at the best price for an agreed specification. 

The effective management of procurement expenses and services ensures that the company can invest in its growth and people. 

The Buying Assistant works as a key link between the Buying Department and the Accounts Team, ensuring effective communication tools are in place in both digital filing, digital ordering, answering queries and ensuring prices agreed are the prices we pay. 

The role includes working with our Sales Team to secure supplier support, helping our businesses grow revenue and remain current.  You will also be the link between our Operations Team and our suppliers, fostering symbiotic relationships that support the delivery of timely, effective, and en-pointe services and products into our businesses.

You will work on all supply routes into the company including Beverage, Food, Sundries and Service Contracts; each of these four areas are of equal importance to maintaining commercial viability for company growth and success in the role.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Buying Software Management: Working with the Group Buyer, IT Systems Manager, and Accounting Department to manage Acquire - procurement software that manages orders to our suppliers, delivery notifications and subsequent invoicing and payment.  Responsibility for onboarding suppliers, answering queries, updating prices and restricting sites to ordering lists on the system.  You will liaise with Finance to ensure accurate invoicing will be a key administrative requirement of the role. These departments are based at our Group Support Office and face-to-face meetings with them to keep on top of this will be necessary on a weekly basis.

• Data Analysis:  Generate and analyse reports from Acquire and Zonal (POS System), creating summaries and actionable insights for senior management. This will bring you into the process of contract tendering by supporting smart and informed decision making.
• Supplier Relations:  Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring service levels and prices are in line with agreements and suppliers want to go the extra mile for our businesses.
• Support Operations:  Work closely with General Managers, Executive Chefs, and Sales Teams to ensure, suppler support is amplified, supply needs are met and troubleshooting when issues arise.
• Compliance:  Ensure suppliers adhere to health, safety, and food hygiene standards.

What We’re Looking For:

• Organized & Efficient:  You excel at managing multiple tasks, prioritizing workloads, and working under pressure.
• Strong Communicator:  You're confident, articulate, and able to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Problem Solver:  You thrive in a fast-paced environment and can adapt and find solutions to challenges.
• Data Savvy:  Highly numerate with strong analytical skills. You’re comfortable using Microsoft 365 and procurement software like Acquire or Procure Wizard.
• Industry Experience: Experience in hospitality and procurement is advantageous. What matters most is your ability to drive efficiency and results.

Why Join Us?

The Foundation Group is a family owned and operated company that was founded in 1973 by Peter Salussolia and is the parent company for Glendola Leisure Group and the Carlton Hotel Collection.  Our philosophy is to provide the best hospitality outlets and to passionately deliver great service in a fun and entertaining environment whether that be in hotels, bars, restaurants or nightclubs.  We are in the people business and have great respect for our customers and staff.  We are committed to understanding and listening to our customers and employees to ensure our brands will always remain outstanding in the communities that they trade.

The family business offers longevity and resilience in unstable markets, are less bureaucratic and offer a family culture of care.  In 2012 Peter Salussolia received an OBE from the queen for his services to the hospitality industry, including being a founder of the ALMR.  In the UK, Glendola Leisure, which is headed up by Alex Salussolia, operates businesses in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast which are an eclectic mix from the Worlds End, Camden to high end steak restaurants such as Alston, our own coffee roastery and brew pub and the well know Waxy O’Connor’s, a rambling multi-level Irish Bar.  Whilst the Carlton Hotel Collection in the UK operate in Glasgow with the Carlton George Hotel and Market Street in Edinburgh.

This procurement role is UK based only and the Group Procurement Manager handles expenditure of around £13-£14 million, £9.5 million of that falling to liquor and £2.5 million of that falling to food with the remainder being made up of sundries, kitchen equipment and service agreements.

WE ARE PROUD TO OFFER:

- Some of the best Career Growth Opportunities in the industry.
- Flexible Shift Patterns – to fit around the other important things in life.
- A Competitive and Progressive salary  
- Wage Stream – giving you direct access to your wages when you need them.
- Private Medical Cover on completion of one years’ service.
- Access to Professional Mental Health Resources and an Employee Assistance Programme on completion of one years' service.
- 28 days paid Holiday per annum, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
- 25% Discount at all Glendola Leisure Venues.
- Annual Staff Events
- Opportunities to innovate and contribute to the growth of your business

Next Steps:

If you’re an organized, proactive individual with a passion for hospitality and procurement, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join our team and help us continue delivering outstanding hospitality across the UK.