At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the Toys category, sourcing exciting products and launching them successfully.
- Company: Leading UK importer and wholesaler with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Monthly office visits in Essex and quarterly international travel to China.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of toy trends and make a real impact in the market.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or category management, strong negotiation skills, and trend awareness.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About the Company
The company is one of the UK's leading importers & wholesalers, supplying thousands of products across Toys, Housewares, Seasonal, DIY, Gardening, Pet, Health & Beauty and more.
With over 50 years of experience, the business works with retailers across the UK and internationally, continually identifying new product opportunities and bringing exciting, commercially successful ranges to market.
As the business continues to grow, we're looking for a commercially-minded Buyer to take ownership of our Toys category.
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially driven Buyer who understands the toy market, keeps a close eye on consumer trends and enjoys finding the next big product before everyone else.
The successful candidate will own the Toys category from product sourcing through to launch, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to build commercially successful product ranges. We're looking for someone who combines strong buying fundamentals with creativity, market awareness and excellent commercial judgement.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Ownership -
- Take full ownership of the Toys category.
- Develop and execute the category strategy.
- Continuously review product performance and identify opportunities for growth.
- Manage the product lifecycle from concept through to launch and review.
- Product Sourcing -
- Source exciting new products from existing and new suppliers.
- Identify innovative products that align with customer demand.
- Attend UK and international trade shows where appropriate.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Trend & Market Analysis -
- Stay ahead of emerging consumer trends, particularly across Tik Tok & other social platforms.
- Monitor competitor ranges, pricing and promotions.
- Analyse market movements and identify gaps within the category.
- Recommend new product opportunities based on customer insight and market demand.
- Commercial Buying -
- Negotiate pricing, margins and commercial terms with suppliers.
- Deliver commercially successful product ranges.
- Manage budgets and forecasting.
- Analyse sales performance and take action where required.
- Customer & Retail Relationships -
- Understand the needs of key retail customers.
- Work collaboratively with the Sales team to support customer requirements.
- Build strong relationships with key retail partners where appropriate.
- Use customer insight to influence buying decisions.
- Cross Functional Collaboration -
- Work closely with Product Development, Marketing, Merchandising and Sales.
- Ensure new product launches are delivered successfully.
- Support promotional planning and seasonal product development.
About You
We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, commercially aware and passionate about identifying products that customers will love.
You enjoy spotting trends before they become mainstream and are confident in making commercial buying decisions.
You'll be highly organised, analytical and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience Required
- Previous experience within a Buying or Category Management role.
- Experience sourcing and developing consumer products.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Ability to analyse sales data and market trends.
- Excellent organisation and project management skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building ability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and buying systems.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within one or more of the following sectors would be advantageous:
- Toys.
- Value Retail.
- FMCG.
- Seasonal Products.
- Giftware.
- Impulse Products.
- Children's Products.
- Licensed Products.
- Existing relationships with retailers such as Smyths Toys, The Entertainer, B&M, Home
Bargains, Poundland or similar would be highly beneficial.
- Key Personal Attributes
- Commercially minded.
- Entrepreneurial approach.
- Trend aware.
- Highly organised.
- Curious and proactive.
- Strong negotiator.
- Relationship builder.
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Confident decision maker.
- Positive, collaborative team player
- Measures of Success
Success in this role will be measured by
- Delivery of commercially successful product launches.
- Sales and margin performance across the Toys category.
- Identification of new product opportunities.
- Strong supplier relationships.
- Effective stock management.
- Positive feedback from customers and internal stakeholders.
- Successful execution of category plans.
- Ideal Background
We'd be particularly interested in candidates from
- Toy manufacturers or distributors.
- Value retailers.
- FMCG businesses.
- Giftware businesses.
- Consumer products companies.
This role requires a monthly trip into the office is Essex and then International travel to China once a quarter.
Buyer in Essex employer: Fulfilled Talent
Fulfilled Talent is an exceptional employer that values proactive individuals and fosters a dynamic team environment in Norwich. With hybrid working options, employees enjoy a flexible work-life balance while being supported in their professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities. The company prioritises excellent client service and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Essex
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Fulfilled Talent, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Fulfilled Talent!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Fulfilled Talent, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Fulfilled Talent and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Fulfilled Talent that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fulfilled Talent
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
