At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Bathroom category, driving strategy and supplier relationships for innovative product ranges.
- Company: One of the UK's largest home improvement retailers with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and influence key commercial initiatives from concept to implementation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of bathroom products while making a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven buying experience in retail, strong negotiation skills, and commercial awareness.
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Buyer to take ownership of a key Bathroom category within one of the UK's leading home improvement retailers. You'll be responsible for developing category strategy, managing supplier relationships, driving commercial performance and delivering innovative product ranges that enhance the customer proposition.
Our client is one of the UK's largest and most recognised home improvement retailers, serving millions of customers across stores and online. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and customer experience, they continue to invest heavily in their product offering and category development. This role sits within the Commercial team and offers the opportunity to lead a strategically important product category, influencing supplier partnerships, product selection, pricing strategy and commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver the category strategy in line with wider commercial objectives.
- Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews and ongoing relationship management.
- Source and select branded and own-label products.
- Deliver trading plans through effective product and supplier management.
- Act as the category expert, providing insight and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
- Influence wider group initiatives and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Partner with Marketing to maximise promotional activity and customer engagement.
- Support sustainability objectives through responsible product selection and supplier partnerships.
- Manage pricing architecture and price index positioning.
- Drive sales, margin, market share and category performance.
- Collaborate with Merchandising, Range Space, Logistics, Finance and Channel teams.
- Support and manage team members where applicable.
Proven buying experience within a retail environment, with demonstrable responsibility for the Bathroom category or closely related product categories. Strong commercial awareness with a track record of delivering sales, margin and category growth. Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills, including experience leading commercial discussions and performance reviews. Ability to analyse customer, market and competitor insights to inform ranging, pricing and category decisions. Experience developing and executing category strategies aligned to wider business objectives. Strong stakeholder management skills with experience working cross-functionally across Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Operations. Experience leading category projects and delivering key commercial initiatives from concept through to implementation.
£55,000 + competitive benefits package. Hybrid role - 3 days in the office, 2 days from home.
Buyer - Bathrooms in Southampton employer: EA FIRST LTD
Join one of the UK's leading home improvement retailers, where innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our mission. As a Buyer for the Bathroom category, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that prioritises employee growth and offers a flexible hybrid working model from our Southampton office. With a commitment to developing your career and a competitive benefits package, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic retail landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Bathrooms in Southampton
✨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 experience aligns with their goals. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Bathrooms in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Buying Expertise:Make sure to highlight your experience in buying, especially within the Bathroom category or similar products. We want to see how you've developed strategies and managed supplier relationships in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We love it when applicants tailor their documents to reflect the job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities listed, like negotiating and managing supplier performance.
Be Data-Driven:We’re all about making informed decisions, so if you have experience analysing customer and market insights, shout about it! Include examples of how your data analysis has influenced product selection or pricing strategies in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light!
How to prepare for a job interview at EA FIRST LTD
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Bathroom category. Understand current trends, popular products, and key competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership of the category.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful supplier negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss how you managed relationships and drove performance. This will highlight your ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company's focus on innovation and sustainability. Think about how your previous experiences align with these values and be prepared to share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar objectives in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you can bring teams together to achieve common goals.
