Category Buyer (Goods for Resale) 9 months contract

This is a 9 monts maternity cover fixed term contract with a potential for a monthly rolling contract thereafter.

Purpose of Job

• To category manage the business performance of designated categories to meet the company’s financial and marketing strategies.
• To be accountable for the designated categories, ensuring best cost price, income and continuity of supply.
• To drive and enhance long-term internal and supplier relationships.

Nature & Scope of the Job

• Select, source and price products to ensure margin growth opportunities are realised and deliver competitive advantage for Customer Direct
• Work closely with the Marketing team to direct and implement new products ideas changes as agreed, including sourcing , quality, price and launch.
• Manage the ongoing relationship with suppliers to deliver highly professional commercial relationships and develop key strategic partnerships for the future commercial success for the Dairies business.
• Collate and propose the promotional programme.
• Source secondary income opportunities to agreed targets
• Understand the market for the defined areas
• Visit suppliers, competitors and depots to monitor and influence the quality, and offer of the product range.

Principal Accountabilities

• Where appropriate represent Buying at Trading, Operational and Depot Meetings
• Developing a clear category vision and strategy for the categories
• Developing a clear understanding the total bottom line of managing the category
• Designing and implementing a clear risk management strategy i.e. reduced exposure and appropriate supply security
• Aligning the supply-base to the business’ goals
• Satisfying internal and external customer service to improve availability.
• Provide accurate and timely information to commercial teams on price movements and cost reductions.

Knowledge & Experience Required

• Experience of managing and/or active participation for  cross-functional activities
• Track record for delivering income and consistent cost saving from suppliers.
• Able to demonstrate a track record of engaging key stakeholders and aligning them to buying vision
• Flexibility in influencing skills/styles at all levels of the business.
• Ability to demonstrate strategic change in a category role.
• Market price monitoring and forecasting.
• A knowledge of Convenience, suppliers and the market place price drivers and mechanisms
• Advanced analytical skills