We are currently recruiting a Senior Buyer to join the Buying Team based at our Customer Support Centre in Walsall.
Reporting to the Director of Trading, the Senior Buyer will lead a small buying team responsible for of a number of key categories with our FMCG trading team.
This is an exciting but challenging role working in a fast-paced retail environment. You will be responsible for representing our business both in brand and culture through the products you select. It offer the opportunity to grow the categories through gaining understanding our customer, and using analytical information and supplier relationships to build product ranges that offer quality and value.
Responsibilities
The role is responsible for coordinating and aligning all commercial activities across your FMCG categories. You will take accountability for range development, product development, and continuous improvements, as well as ownership of the structure, and leading the commercial team on all projects across the business as well as being involved in exploring new business, products and format opportunities that continue to excite the customer.
- Contribute to the achievement of the Commercial strategy and key performance indicators through effective leadership.
- Lead the development and execution of product range reviews to optimize category performance.
- Identify opportunities for new private label categories and enhance the performance and positioning of existing own-brand ranges.
- Drive revenue, margin, and gross profit across commercial divisions and brands.
- Negotiate high-value contracts worth millions of pounds.
- Set and meet key performance objectives related to sales, margin, and other critical operational metrics.
- Implement the company’s strategic plan, tailoring it to each category’s needs.
- Lead the execution of operational strategies across commercial activities.
- Drive initiatives aimed at boosting sales, reducing costs, and improving product delivery.
- Oversee price benchmarking and analysis to maintain competitive value leadership.
- Champion process development and continuous improvement, driving efficient and impactful changes across the Commercial team.
- Provide support to team members in managing supplier negotiations and commercial projects.
- Cultivate a positive, high-performance culture within the Buying team.
- Promote collaboration between Buying, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and other departments.
- Communicate business strategies clearly to ensure alignment and consistency within the team.
- Recognize and reward outstanding performance while addressing any underperformance constructively.
- Inspire the team to drive innovation, accelerate speed to market, and maintain a competitive edge.
- Ensure effective knowledge sharing and role coverage to safeguard business continuity.
- Compile sales and purchase data, highlighting potential sales opportunities and areas for category expansion.
- Provide targeted tactical recommendations to the Director of Trade and Commercial Director, backed by relevant insights and intelligence.
- Prepare presentations for the Board and Executive Summaries for senior leadership.
Skills & Knowledge Required
We are looking for someone with:
- Proven experience in Senior Buyer role within an FMCG retail environment
- Proven track record of leading retail category teams, managing high-value contracts, and handling complex negotiations.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and demonstrating the ability to foster long-term partnerships.
- Strong background in retail buying category management, including analyzing market trends, creating product ranges, and ensuring stock availability
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret data, sales forecasts, and market trends to make informed decisions.
- Negotiation Skills: Strong capability to negotiate contracts, terms, and prices with suppliers.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align buying strategies with broader company goals and market conditions.
- Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple categories, suppliers, and projects simultaneously.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication to liaise with suppliers, internal teams, and senior management.
- Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in contracts, purchasing orders, and inventory records.
- Leadership Experience: While this is a senior role, previous experience leading teams, managing budgets, sales forecasts, and inventory.
- A proven track record in building high-performing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts that enhance profitability and efficiency.
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