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- Tasks: Lead the adult mechanical bike category and shape market-leading propositions.
- Company: Join Halfords, the UK's biggest cycling retailer, passionate about cycling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, employee discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cycling industry and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying or Category Management and a passion for cycling.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for wellbeing and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re proud to be the UK’s biggest cycling retailer, and we’re on an exciting journey to transform our Commercial Team into a dynamic Category Management led function that is fully aligned with our retail strategy. This evolution is about taking our strong buying principles and blending them with an increase in strategic insight, customer focus, and stronger cross‑functional collaboration to create a future‑ready function that drives innovation and sustainable growth.
At Halfords, cycling isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. We develop and build with some of the most iconic brands in the industry, including Apollo, Carrera, Voodoo and Boardman, and we’re passionate about delivering products and solutions that inspire riders everywhere. Right now, we’re investing in our people and expanding our team, creating opportunities for talented individuals to make a real impact. If you’re ready to help lead and shape the future of cycling, this is your chance.
This is a unique opportunity to take ownership and lead our adult mechanical bike proposition – a category that sits at the heart of our cycling offer. As a Category Buyer, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and driving our customer proposition and ranges, ensuring we deliver an exceptional offer that meets the needs of every rider.
Working closely with the Head of Category, you’ll influence product strategy, pricing and supplier relationships, collaborating and influencing to build some of the best brands in the industry. You’ll be empowered to make decisions to deliver detailed Category plans that shape the market, working with UK and global partners, suppliers and factories to deliver real innovation, quality and value. This isn’t just a buying role – it’s about creating experiences, driving trends and helping us stay ahead in a fast‑moving industry.
Key responsibilities:
- Own and develop the adult mechanical bike category, shaping a market‑leading proposition both in terms of buying and creating align and joined up trading plans.
- Build and grow strong relationships with our strategic supplier base to deliver true innovation and value.
- Negotiate effectively to secure competitive pricing, promotional support and profitability targets.
- Use data‑driven insights to monitor performance and make informed decisions.
- Collaborate with teams across eCommerce, Marketing and Supply Chain to bring Category plans to life.
- Coach and guide Assistant Category Buyers to deliver sourcing plans effectively.
About you:
- Experienced in Buying or Category Management within a fast‑paced retail environment.
- A confident negotiator with a track record of delivering commercial results.
- Passionate about cycling and excited by the opportunity to develop market leading own brand ranges with experience in global sourcing and own‑brand development.
- Data‑driven, customer‑focused and commercially sharp.
- A natural collaborator and leader who thrives on making an impact.
We offer a fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave. Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations.
We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home. You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services. Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.
Ready to get in the saddle? Not sure you meet all the criteria? We’d encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We’re an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.
Category Buyer – Adult Mechanical Bikes in England employer: Halfords Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Halfords Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer – Adult Mechanical Bikes in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Halfords, their products, and their values. This way, when you get that interview, you can show them you're not just another candidate – you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Category Buyer. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer – Adult Mechanical Bikes in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cycling: When you're writing your application, let your love for cycling shine through! Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to the industry. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at Halfords.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in buying or category management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and data-driven decision-making. This will help us see how you can contribute to our dynamic team.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Group PLC
✨Know Your Bikes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adult mechanical bikes. Understand the key features, brands, and trends in the cycling industry. This will not only show your passion for cycling but also demonstrate that you're ready to take ownership of the category.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've secured competitive pricing or promotional support. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This is crucial as the role involves negotiating with suppliers to deliver value.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with how data can influence buying decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data insights in previous roles to monitor performance and make informed choices. This aligns perfectly with the expectations of the Category Buyer position.
✨Collaboration is Key
Think about times when you've worked cross-functionally with teams like eCommerce, Marketing, or Supply Chain. Be ready to share these experiences, as collaboration is essential for bringing category plans to life at Halfords.
