Category Buyer

The Body Shop; Brighton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in ethical beauty is seeking an experienced Buyer to join their dynamic Sourcing Team in Brighton. This role is pivotal in supporting the company's sourcing strategy, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring optimal cost management. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, showcasing their expertise in negotiations and supplier performance evaluation. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the company's growth while enjoying a competitive salary and an array of benefits that support personal development and well-being.

Benefits

6% non-contributory pension plan

23 days holiday

50% staff discount

Access to product sample sales

Exclusive deals through Perks at Work

LOVE money for personal development

Qualifications

• Experience in sourcing, manufacturing, or technical buying.
• Proven project implementation skills in cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of sourcing processes and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and drive supplier performance.
• Conduct commercial negotiations to optimize costs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through effective sourcing.

Skills

Sourcing Strategy

Supplier Relationship Management

Commercial Negotiation

Project Implementation

Cost Management

Data Management

Education

Degree in Business or related field

Tools

Supplier Management Systems

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

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About The Body Shop

The Body Shop has been here since 1976, and we’re not going anywhere. It’s an exciting time to join us as we’re under new ownership and recruiting for some fantastic opportunities in our gorgeous new Head Office in Brighton.

We’re looking for fellow pioneers of ethical beauty who are keen to drive our business in the UK and around the world. If that sounds like you, we’d love you to join us as we embark on our next chapter.

The Body Shop is committed to generating positive economic, social, and environmental impact. We’re fighting for what we believe in now more than ever. No holding back. Breaking the mould has always come naturally to us, and we need someone who’s not afraid to mix things up.

Your role in a nutshell

We are recruiting an experienced Buyer to work in our Sourcing Team based at our global HQ in Brighton.

You will support The Body Shop's Sourcing Strategy and the delivery of business objectives through effective management of supplier relationships, driving improved supplier performance, and conducting commercial negotiations to ensure The Body Shop has the optimal cost base and the relevant supplier portfolio to fuel our future growth.

More about the role

You will be responsible for sourcing activities related to our core product portfolio and new project implementation, including:

• Strategy & Category management
• Defining & implementing supplier strategies for the Skincare and Bath & Body portfolios
• Commercially controlling spend within your specific remit, working creatively and in a SMART way to reduce costs while increasing efficiency
• Identifying and delivering cost-saving and value-creation opportunities through negotiations, resourcing, and tendering activities
• Managing cost forecasts, sharing & controlling assumptions for budget construction, maintaining data for financial trends & budgets, and reporting on KPIs
• Identifying and evaluating suppliers; selecting, approving, and reviewing supplier performance; leading supplier development efforts across costs, supply agility, innovation, and sustainability
• Managing sourcing negotiations and contracting, from RFQ/RFP to product delivery
• Working closely with suppliers to bring creative and innovative solutions to our teams
• Representing the company in expanding the number of incumbent and new suppliers
• Ensuring procurement and ethical protocols are documented and followed

What we look for

Previous experience in a sourcing, manufacturing, or technical buying environment with proven project implementation skills within a cross-functional organization.

Experience in supplier performance evaluation, selection, and relationship management.

Knowledge of sourcing processes, data management, and contract management.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong cultural awareness and the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships.

Knowledge of the Health & Beauty industry is highly desirable.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer benefits such as a 6% non-contributory pension plan, 23 days holiday, 50% staff discount, access to product sample sales, Perks at Work with exclusive deals, and LOVE money for your wellbeing and personal development.