At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product category, drive innovation, and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a leading retail company with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, award-winning pension, 6.6 weeks holiday, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the retail industry while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven buying experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 55000 £ per year.
Overview
Permanent
Salary £48-55K + Pension + PHC + ShareSave + 6.6 weeks holiday + Hybrid Working (3 days per week in the office)
Southampton, Store Support Office
What's the job?
Lead a product category, driving innovation, and delivering customer satisfaction.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver category strategy, aligned to department strategy.
- Lead vendor negotiations and performance review.
- Source and select products (branded and own label).
- Deliver products and vendor contributions to deliver the trading plan.
- Act as the business expert on the product category, providing insights and recommendations across functions.
- Direct and influence Kingfisher initiatives relevant to the category, ensuring alignment with group strategy.
- Collaborate closely with marketing to align category plans with promotional and customer engagement strategies.
- Support the delivery of the sustainability plan through product selection and supplier engagement.
- Manage pricing architecture / price index.
- Take actions to deliver trading performance in collaboration with merchandising.
- Collaborating with all channels to execute customer facing proposition.
- Line management as required (could be shared resource).
- Delivering key milestones in line with agreed CPA.
What we need:
- Proven buying experience in retail.
- Strong negotiation and commercial skills.
- Ability to interpret customer and market insights.
- Experience managing cross-functional projects.
- Willing to travel to visit suppliers, trade fairs, stores and competitors.
What's in it for me?
As well as a competitive salary, our benefits package includes:
- Award-winning pension scheme
- ShareSave options
- 6.6 weeks holiday
- Payroll giving
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Shopping discounts
- Colleague wellbeing benefits
- …and much more.
Equality and Inclusion
We want to ensure that all employees, future employees, and applicants to all Kingfisher companies are treated equally regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, colour, ethnic or national origin, culture, religious belief, philosophical belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Buyer - Bathrooms employer: B&Q Limited
At Kingfisher, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Southampton that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including an award-winning pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for personal growth, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being and career development. Join us to lead impactful projects in the retail sector while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Bathrooms
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their category strategy and be ready to discuss how your buying experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves vendor negotiations, brush up on your techniques. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to get comfortable discussing terms and prices confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Bathrooms
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer - Bathrooms role. Highlight your buying experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can drive innovation and customer satisfaction!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed cross-functional projects in the past.
Showcase Your Insights:In your application, don’t forget to mention how you interpret customer and market insights. We love candidates who can provide valuable recommendations and align with our category strategy!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at B&Q Limited
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the bathroom product category. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular brands, and customer preferences. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you can bring valuable insights to the table.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role, prepare by practising common negotiation scenarios. Think about how you would approach vendor discussions or pricing strategies. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully managed cross-functional projects. Be ready to discuss how you collaborated with marketing or merchandising teams to achieve a common goal. This will illustrate your ability to work well with others and drive results.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Research the company's sustainability initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute. Share ideas on product selection and supplier engagement that align with their sustainability plan. This shows you're not just focused on profits but also care about the environment.
