Category Buyer

**ROLE OVERVIEW**

Manage the day to day buying activities for all product lines that sit within your category. Execute the complete buying process from start to finish across multiple product lines to ensure that all products are ordered and delivered on time to enable us to fulfil our customer expectations. Tenaciously monitor supplier performance and be quick to act on a particular service issue or an ongoing negative trend

**AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY**
- Manage the ‘Order Items’ screen throughout the day and ensure all lines are ordered same day with the relevant supplier as well as checking stock availability
- Notify relevant team members as to any delays expected on products due in
- Sourcing alternative products as required if preferred supplier is out of stock - Always select good quality products from proven and reliable suppliers
- Maintain a strong working relationship with your colleagues in Procurement, Operations and Customer Services to always ensure a strong line of communication
- Track and expedite PO deliveries when necessary
- Ensure all expected delivery dates (at line level) are always correct on NetSuite
- Run the ‘outstanding suppliers orders’ report each day for PO’s you have placed only. Check as to any overdue orders and chase up with the suppliers accordingly
- Assist with sourcing new products upon request when the customers requirement cannot be fulfilled by our current range
- Flag up supplier performance issues with your line manager and track against agreed SLA’s
- Deal with all supplier delivery errors and any supplier returns for items that sit within your category or PO’s you have placed
- Liaise with the finance team to review and resolve any supplier invoice discrepancies for items you have ordered or PO’s you have placed
- Complete other category specific recurring and ad-hoc tasks which are assigned by your line manager
- Provide valuable input into team meetings by putting forward suggestions that bring about continuous improvement.

**DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES**
- Strong attention to detail
- Highly organised and the ability to self-start
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Ensure all processes and procedures are adhered to at all times
- Strong negotiation skills
- Always look at smarter ways to buy and reduce costs
- Ensure a positive ‘can do’ attitude
- Adaptable to change and have an agile mindset
- Comfortable working either alone or in a team, and with other departments within the organisation to ensure supply on time in full.
- Highly desirable - Intermediate Excel skills

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**
- Working Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (1-hour lunchbreak)
- Working in the office 4 days, at home for 1 day
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Quarterly Commission - 10% of monthly salary if KPI’s are achieved
- EAP Scheme and Wellbeing events including monthly YOGA sessions
- Full and stocked kitchen including weekly bakery deliveries
- Free Monthly on-site car wash
- **SMI are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus scheme

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Petersfield GU32 3QB