An exciting opportunity for a proactive and commercially minded Senior Buyer to join our team. This is a fast-paced role with the opportunity to make an immediate and significant impact.

Working cross functionally with key business functions you are accountable for leading the buying team responsible for the financial performance, product and supplier selection of a specified category as identified by your line manager. Focused on growth with ownership of the end-to-end product lifecycle underpinned by strong market awareness in the Omi channel world.

Rewards:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional holiday awards for long service
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Critical Illness & Life Assurance schemes
• Company pension scheme

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead the buying team creating an engaged and motivated team with clear performance metrics and individual development plans.
• To lead and own the creation of detailed category strategies to support the delivery of the overall business strategy and work across functional delivery.
• To understand customer needs, current market trends and competitor activity for your category and wider pet ranges, translating this into clear category plans.
• Accountable for identifying emerging market trends and potential new product and supplier opportunities.
• Constantly review and performance manage existing suppliers, introducing credible alternatives where market or performance KPI’s are not being met.
• Accountable for sourcing products ethically and responsibly for inclusion in product ranges considering commercial risks and benefits of route to market both domestically and internationally.
• Accountable for the negotiation of supplier terms and cost prices, constantly seeking ways to lower the cost of goods and improve value in all elements of the commercial agreements.
• Accountable for constantly reviewing market pricing to understand value position and make recommendations for adjustments where appropriate based on pricing targets.
• Create a collaborative working relationship with merchandising & supply chain teams to achieve stock holding and availability targets.
• Create a collaborative working relationship with the Quality team and suppliers to ensure product quality is benchmarked, clearly defined and maintained to agreed specifications.
• Create a collaborative working relationship with the Packaging team to ensure all regulatory requirements and product declarations are maintained to a legally compliant standard.
• Working with the wider buying team to ensure new products and suppliers are set up accurately and on time.
• Accountable for the maintenance of the department’s systems and trackers, ensuring they are accurate and updated in a timely manner.
• Accountable for loading of commercial income and ensuring our suppliers are invoiced correctly.
• Accountable for the review and share of product returns data, identifying opportunities for product improvement.
• Accountable for providing reports and data analysis as required or requested by management or your line manager.
• Any other reasonable tasks deemed appropriate by your line manager consistent with the operation of the Buying and Commercial function.

Key Performance Indicator’s (KPI’s)

• Sales (Nett)
• Margin (£ & %)
• Market Share (£ & %)
• Price Position
• Stock Holding
• Inbound Service Level
• Quality Returns and Complaints

Key Skills:

• Analytical with experience of excel & power point.
• Financially competent and able to demonstrate strong numerical skills including interpretation of data.
• Organised with evidence of horizon planning and the ability to work to deadlines.
• Leadership – understanding of leadership styles and how to create an engaged team focused on performance.
• Comfortable in conflict.
• +10 years' experience in a senior buying role

Characteristics:

• Confident and Charismatic – Inspires their team through confidence and belief.
• Self-driven, able to work independently on their own initiative.
• Challenges the status quo – owner mind set – my money - challenges the norm, creates alternative plans and thinking.
• Proactive – look over the hill for the next opportunity or challenge.
• Solution orientated – does not let challenges become barriers.
• Data lead - someone who actively uses data to underpin decision making where relevant.
• Adaptable - able to adapt to an environment and adjust approach to suit business needs regardless of scale and organisational hierarchies.
• An animal lover whether owner or just a pet friend.
• Demonstrates integrity and diligence – will do the right thing when nobody is watching.
• Team player – collaborative approach who respects the needs of the team.
• Respectful of Diversity – creates a climate which recognises and respects individuality.