Buyer - Maternity Cover

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Category Manager to lead and drive category range, price, and supplier strategy. This maternity cover role will engage in developing supplier relationships, maximizing sales, and delivering profit while managing and mentoring a team. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in retail buying and a track record of achieving performance targets.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in retail buying environment.
• Experience in defining and delivering a category or supplier strategy.
• Proven track record of achieving sales and performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop Supplier & Category/Department Strategy.
• Maximise supplier/category profit & sales.
• Negotiate terms of contract for commercial returns.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Sales Strategy

Category Management

Market Research

Communication

Job description

Job Description

Role Purpose:

To lead & drive Category Range, Price & Supplier Strategy, whilst delivering Sales & Profit.

This role is a maternity cover and will last 9 months.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for development of Supplier & Category/Department Strategy
• Maximise supplier/ category profit & sales
• Work with suppliers/licensees & brands to build deeper commercial relationships to deliver strategy
• Negotiate terms of contract to deliver greatest commercial return for the business
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products
• Present strategy & ranging plans to key stakeholders
• Manage Supplier/ Department Planning to support Business Objectives
• Maximise intake margin whilst ensuring pricing strategy remains competitive
• Responsible for intro Pricing Strategy with focus on key territories
• Work with merchandising to create & deliver supplier/ category plan
• Work with merchandising to ensure buys are aligned to financial budgets
• Responsible for Range Selection & Product & Range development
• Deliver ranging strategy
• Review Performance & lead Market Research
• Research market & conduct feedback sessions to ensure all opportunities are maximised
• Work closely with our partners to build cohesive ranges
• Review current ranges and products to remain competitive and relevant
• Interrogate sales reports to identify consumer buying patterns to ensure we predict future trends & identify ranging opportunities
• Reacting to changes in demand
• Drive trading & marketing, optimizing sales and profitability
• Deliver range presentations
• Liaise with Business Management to deliver marketing plan
• Manage & Mentor Assistant Buyer/s to ensure strategy is delivered across all suppliers/ categories

You may also be required from time to time to work additional hours including but not limited to providing support around events and hot markets. This may involve weekend and late-night working and international travel may be required.

Knowledge And Experience

• A minimum of 5 years' experience within a retail and branded buying environment
• Experience of defining and delivering a category or supplier strategy
• A track record of delivering sales, margin & performance targets
• Extensive experience working and negotiating with suppliers/ brands
• Previous management and employee development experience
• Ability to make own decisions, take responsibility for actions, and deliver high performance results with confidence to take some risks
• Strong communication skills, ability to build relationships and influence internally & externally at all levels
• Knowledge of sports product/industry is preferable

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity and inclusivity at Fanatics. Our commitment to inclusion drives us forward every day; across all races, gender, gender identities, age, sexual orientation, religion & spiritual beliefs, neurodiversity, disability, and all identities of our people both current and future. If you have any requirement(s) for reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, and/or to perform essential job functions, please contact us.