Category Buyer

THE BODY SHOP; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company in the ethical beauty sector as a Buyer at their new Head Office in Brighton. In this dynamic role, you'll manage supplier relationships and drive sourcing strategies to support business growth. Collaborate with suppliers to innovate and enhance product offerings while ensuring optimal cost management. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a company committed to sustainability and ethical practices. If you're ready to mix things up and drive change in the beauty industry, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

6% non-contributory pension plan

23 days holiday

50% staff discount

Access to product sample sales

Perks at Work

Exclusive online deals

LOVE money for wellbeing and personal development

Qualifications

• Proven project implementation skills within a cross-functional organization.
• Experience in supplier performance evaluation and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing activities for core product portfolio and new projects.
• Evaluate and select suppliers; lead supplier development efforts.

Skills

Sourcing

Supplier Relationship Management

Negotiation

Project Implementation

Data Management

Microsoft Excel

Cultural Awareness

Education

Experience in Sourcing or Technical Buying

Knowledge of Health & Beauty Industry

Job description

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 Sourcing Strategy and the delivery of the business objectives through effective management of supplier relationships, driving improvements in 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 to manage our core product portfolio as well as new project implementation, including:

1. Strategy & Category management
2. Define & implement supplier strategy for the Skincare and Bath & Body portfolio
3. Commercially control spend within your specific remit, working creatively and in a SMART way to reduce costs while increasing efficiency
4. Identify and deliver cost-saving and value-creation opportunities through negotiations, resourcing, and tendering activities
5. Manage cost forecasts, share & control assumptions for budget construction, maintain data for financial trends & budget, and report on KPIs

Supplier relationships management

Identify and evaluate suppliers; select, approve, and review suppliers' performance; lead supplier development efforts across costs, supply agility, innovation, and sustainability.

Manage sourcing negotiations and contracting: from RFQ/RFP to product delivery.

Work closely with suppliers to bring creative and innovative solutions to our teams.

Represent the company in expanding the number of incumbent and new suppliers.

Ensure 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 of supplier performance evaluation, selection, and relationship management.

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

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

Strong Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, tables, etc.) are essential.

Knowledge of the Health & Beauty industry is highly desirable.

Benefits

Along with a competitive salary, you will enjoy benefits such as a 6% non-contributory pension plan, 23 days holiday, 50% staff discount, access to product sample sales, Perks at Work, exclusive online deals, and LOVE money to support your wellbeing and personal development.