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- Tasks: Take charge of product buying and manage supplier relationships for a key category.
- Company: Established retail business in the West Midlands with a focus on product innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and impactful role in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced retail setting while enhancing your buying skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Retail Buyer with strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Genuine interim opportunity with clear ownership and potential for quick value addition.
Interim Retail Buyer (Product) – 6 Month Contract - £500 a day inside IR35
Location: West Midlands (hybrid) - Monday in the office + either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Contract: 6 months
Day rate: Dependent on experience
We’re supporting a well-established product-led retail business in the West Midlands that’s looking for an experienced Interim Retail Buyer to step in and take ownership of a key product category. This role is strictly product retail – ideal for Buyers from hard goods, FMCG, DIY, home, electrical, automotive, leisure or general merchandise.
What you’ll be doing:
- Owning end-to-end category buying for a defined product range
- Managing supplier relationships, negotiations and trading terms
- Leading pricing, margin management and profitability across the category
- Running regular category and product performance reviews, using data to drive decisions
- Balancing commerciality with availability, reacting quickly to trading performance
- Working closely with merchandising, supply chain and trading teams to maximise results
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience as a Retail Buyer within product retail
- Strong commercial acumen with hands-on experience managing pricing and margins
- Confident dealing with suppliers and challenging on cost, terms and performance
- Comfortable in a fast-paced retail environment with weekly/monthly trading rhythms
- Able to hit the ground running and add value quickly in an interim setting
Why this role:
- Genuine interim opportunity with clear ownership and impact
- Exposure to a commercial, product-driven retail business
- Competitive day rate dependent on experience
If you’re an interim Retail Buyer with strong product, pricing and margin experience and are open to a 6-month assignment in the West Midlands, get in touch with your CV, day rate and availability.
Retail Buyer / Category Manager employer: Distinct | B Corp
Contact Detail:
Distinct | B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Buyer / Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who have experience as Buyers. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on landing that perfect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its product categories. Show them you understand their business and can hit the ground running. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven profitability in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities tailored for experienced Retail Buyers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Buyer / Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Retail Buyer, especially in product retail. We want to see how you've managed supplier relationships and pricing strategies, so don’t hold back on those details!
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 interim role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the challenges in the retail sector.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, be sure to mention specific examples where you've successfully managed margins and pricing. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the West Midlands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct | B Corp
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
As a Retail Buyer, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the product category you'll be managing. Research the latest trends, key suppliers, and market dynamics in hard goods, FMCG, or whichever sector you're applying for. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with suppliers where you achieved favourable terms. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing supplier relationships and how you've successfully balanced cost and quality. This will highlight your commercial acumen and ability to drive profitability.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with how to use data to inform buying decisions. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've used data analysis to improve category performance. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to react quickly to trading performance.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role requires working closely with merchandising, supply chain, and trading teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated with different departments in previous roles to maximise results. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you can integrate well into their existing structure.
