We are transforming the M&S food business to be more relevant, more often to more people. We are beginning the turnaround in Food. We know that we must broaden our appeal - getting our pricing and product ranges right - so that we can retain our core customer and attract busy families who want great tasting, quality food at outstanding value.

Given the scale of the opportunity within the food group, this is an exciting time to join the business and be part of the team tasked with delivering the turnaround. As the buyer you will be the lead in developing and implementing the category plans working with a cross functional team of experts.

Your role will be to drive category sales and profit in line with operating plan budgets, driving market share performance.  Essential to this is experience and expertise of the Pork market and in-depth knowledge of the category

Key accountabilities and measures

• Expert procurement of pork and effective management of carcass balance
• Drive sales and profit in line with operating plan budgets
• Drive market share performance
• Lead category buying team (buyer, product developer technologist, forecast planner) in delivery of commercial objectives
• Lead relationship with suppliers through effective commercial management
• Prepare and agree category plan with Management Team through analysis of customer insight, sales and trends
• Set effective range strategies to optimise selling format and product choice, understanding space requirements
• Set clear range and price architecture
• Ensure commercial strategy is in line with M&S key values and compliant to legal requirements
• Set effective promotional and marketing plan in line with Food Group plan
• Deliver targeted % of newness
• Drive efficiency improvements with supply base
• Compliance with the financial control process for Supplier contributions

Key relationships and stakeholder

• Head of Trading
• Trading Manager and management team
• Category team (technologists, product developers, forecast planners, display planners, supply chain planner, commercial planners)
• Suppliers
• Franchise, International and .Com
• Brand Marketing
• Supply Chain & Logistics
• Finance
• Retail

Key skills

• Expert product knowledge
• Decision making
• Commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Analysis of commercial and customer information to seize commercial opportunities
• Team working and effective people management
• Relationship building; stores and colleagues
• Management of suppliers & relationship
• Attention to detail
• Positive approach to change
• Strategic planning and understanding