Category Buyer in Wellingborough

Location: Wellingborough

Salary: £35,000-£40,000

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm (37.5 hours per week)

Bennett & Game are currently working with a growing business to recruit two Category Buyers to join their expanding Product Team, based in Northamptonshire. This is an excellent opportunity to join an established business investing in the growth and development of its product department. The successful candidates will play an important role in expanding the company's product range, improving buying processes and managing products throughout their lifecycle. The business is open to considering candidates at different stages of their careers, from those with transferable experience looking to develop through to experienced buyers who can make an immediate impact.

Overview

• Report directly to the Commercial Director, working closely with the wider Product Team.
• Source and evaluate new products and suppliers, negotiating cost prices, minimum order quantities (MOQs) and commercial terms.
• Review sales performance, margins, pricing, stock levels and aged inventory, identifying opportunities to improve category performance.
• Develop and expand product ranges to meet customer requirements whilst achieving commercial objectives.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and sourcing through to product launch, ongoing performance and eventual discontinuation or replacement.
• Coordinate new product launches, including product specifications, descriptions, sales literature, instructions and product guides.
• Ensure products meet relevant quality, compliance and industry standards, maintaining appropriate testing, certification and technical documentation.
• Maintain accurate product information and databases, ensuring all relevant product details are correctly recorded.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to coordinate product launches, packaging and associated marketing materials.
• Work closely with Sales and Marketing teams to support product presentations, promotions, product pitches and video content.
• Liaise with Supply Chain to understand demand, forecast requirements and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Monitor product performance and recommend pricing changes, promotions and stock clearance strategies where required.
• Provide general product support across the business, responding to internal queries from Sales, Customer Service and Accounts.
• Ensure compliance with company Health & Safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Previous experience in buying, purchasing, category management, product development or a similar commercial role would be advantageous.
• Ideally hold a product development qualification or have relevant industry experience.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Commercially minded, with an understanding of product margins, pricing, stock management and supplier negotiations.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to build relationships and negotiate with suppliers and internal departments.
• High attention to detail, particularly when managing product specifications, technical information and databases.
• Automotive aftermarket, mechanical or engineering industry experience would be beneficial.
• Working knowledge of Sage 200 would be advantageous.
• Positive, enthusiastic approach with a willingness to get involved and support the wider team.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary dependent on experience.
• Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
• Working hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm, with one-hour lunch break.
• Office-based position in Northamptonshire (NN8).
• Opportunity to join an expanding Product Team with genuine scope to develop and make an impact.

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