Buyer

We are looking for a Buyer to join our client in St Albans.

JOB PURPOSE

The buyer is accountable for the commercial management of a number of small and medium size store merchandise and/or services categories. Developing category management strategies together with the Senior Buyers and Trading Director, the buyer is accountable to drive the store sales, margins and supplier income for their portfolio. Additionally, the buyer works closely with suppliers and through deep consumer and data insights will identify ways to differentiate the offer in their areas from the competition in order to contribute to the development of distinctive market leading propositions.

Working very closely with the pricebook team, the range and space team, the 3rdparty retail team and store operations management, the buyer is the decision maker for Price, Promotions, Range and Space for their areas of responsibility.

Negotiating new and existing contracts, rebates and promotional calendars with third party wholesalers, manufacturers and retail suppliers.

The Buyer will receive coaching and development from the Senior buyers and Trading Director in taking on wider accountabilities across the team as a development role towards becoming a senior buyer.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Managing the Category Management strategy for a series of product and services categories Identifying the lowest cost route to market for the products and services Working together with category supplier partners, create annual trading terms to include activations and range, space, price and promotional campaigns to drive sales, margins and central income. Driving down net delivered cost of products, resisting cost price inflation, constantly seeking ways to reduce

the overall cost of product at each stage of the value chain (manufacturer, wholesaler, direct supply, pack sizes, payment terms) Securing supplier investment in selling secondary space: online and instore to drive commercial income and to drive footfall into store to drive sales and margins. Working with the Commercial team to manage range reviews and implementation of planograms tailored to reflect the differing needs of stores by region, demographic, size and format. Take a leading role in the development of the 3rd party retail sales channel (UberEats/JustEat/Deliveroo) by engaging suppliers in emerging opportunities, ensuring commercial funding is in place to drive returns.KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED

Minimum 3 years in buying, category management roles in retailIdeal experience within the convenience retail sectorExperience of working in wholesale and 3rd party logistics business models preferredExperience in basic category management techniques and in developing category sales and marginsCredible business to business account development skills.Strong negotiating skillsIndustry and competitive landscape awareness and industry contactsCapable in financial planning of budgets, tracking of income streams and generating accurate and timely forecastsHighly effective communication skills at all levels; verbal, electronic and writtenData Analytical skills, Excel and Powerpoint proficiency and insight development capabilityAbility to develop positive working relationships with colleagues and external contactsThis is a great opportunity to work for a fantastic company who are offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

JOB TYPE

Work Day:Full Time

Employment type:Permanent Job

Salary:Negotiable

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimal experience:Unspecified