At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and grow a tech product category using data-driven strategies.
- Company: Fast-growing IT solutions business in Central Birmingham.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, tech discounts, gym access, and career progression.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities towards leadership roles.
- Why this job: Blend traditional buying with modern digital strategies for real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT buying, strong negotiation skills, and data-driven mindset.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 € per year.
I'm seeking a Category Buyer for a fast-growing, digitally driven IT solutions business. You will own and develop a defined technology product category through a platform-led, data-driven approach. This role blends traditional category management with modern digital buying behaviours. You'll work closely with sales, marketing and product data teams, as well as vendors and distributors, to improve category performance, visibility and profitability.
Duties of the Category Buyer:
- Owning and growing a technology product category through digital channels
- Managing vendor and distributor relationships, including commercial negotiations
- Driving pricing, promotions and rebate activity to maximise margin
- Ensuring product content, pricing and availability are accurate and competitive
- Acting as the internal expert for your category, supporting sales and key customers
- Analysing buying trends and market data to identify growth opportunities
Skills of the Category Buyer:
- Experience in a category, buying or procurement role within IT or technology
- Strong understanding of the IT market and supplier landscape
- Proven negotiation and commercially focused decision-making skills
- Confident communicator with a data-led, proactive approach
- Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial terms
Benefits for the Category Buyer:
- Hybrid working and a modern city-centre office
- Structured progression to Strategic Account Director or Sales Leadership
- Tech discounts, electric car scheme and pension
- Life insurance, employee assistance programme, gym access and holiday trading scheme + more!
Please note as we receive a high level of applications we can only respond to applicants whose skills match the role.
Category Buyer employer: Hunter Selection
Join a fast-growing, digitally driven IT solutions business in the heart of Central Birmingham, where innovation meets opportunity. As a Category Buyer, you'll thrive in a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, with structured pathways to advance your career into strategic leadership roles. Enjoy hybrid working, competitive benefits including tech discounts and a gym access, all while being part of a dynamic team that is shaping the future of technology procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show off your knowledge about their tech solutions and how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience in category management and digital buying.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with vendors. We suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Buyer. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant IT or technology roles. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves managing vendor relationships and negotiations, be sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve maximised margins in previous roles!
Be Data-Driven:As a digitally driven business, we value a data-led approach. Include any experience you have with analysing market trends or using data to inform buying decisions. Show us how you can leverage data for category growth!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hunter Selection
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the technology product category you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Think about how you maximised margins or improved supplier relationships. Being able to articulate your approach to negotiation will highlight your commercial acumen and decision-making skills.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since this role is data-driven, come prepared with insights from your previous experiences. Discuss how you've used data to identify growth opportunities or improve category performance. This will illustrate your proactive approach and analytical mindset.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, communication is key! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current challenges in category management. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their success.