At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive supply chain performance and manage a diverse product portfolio.
- Company: Established international distributor with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Annual salary review, bonuses, lunch provided, and life assurance.
- Other info: Join a successful team and contribute directly to future growth.
- Why this job: Influence product strategy and supplier performance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ability to manage international suppliers.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
An established and growing international distributor is seeking an experienced Senior Product / Category Buyer to take ownership of a diverse product portfolio and drive end-to-end supply chain performance. This is a broad and commercially focused position, combining purchasing, supplier management, inventory planning, product introduction, compliance and quality improvement. Working closely with senior leadership, you will play a key role in ensuring product availability, optimising supplier performance and supporting the continued growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute purchasing and supply chain strategies for a designated product range.
- Manage inventory levels to balance customer demand, stock availability and working capital requirements.
- Forecast demand and implement effective replenishment plans across multiple product categories.
- Oversee the purchasing process from order placement through to delivery.
- Coordinate international supply chains and work closely with freight and logistics partners to ensure timely product availability.
- Lead supplier performance reviews, driving improvements in cost, quality, service and delivery.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing and supply terms with global manufacturing partners.
- Support new product introduction projects, from supplier selection and product evaluation through to launch.
- Manage product lifecycle activities including range rationalisation, replacements and discontinuations.
- Ensure products meet relevant regulatory and compliance requirements for the UK market.
- Monitor product performance and quality metrics, implementing continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
- Collaborate with technical, sales, marketing and operations teams to support successful product launches and ongoing commercial performance.
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity and cost drivers to identify sourcing opportunities and margin improvements.
About You
- Proven experience within procurement, purchasing, supply chain or product management in a manufacturing, distribution or import/export environment.
- Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
- Experience managing overseas suppliers and international supply chains.
- Commercially astute with the ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
- Knowledge of product compliance, quality standards or regulatory requirements would be advantageous.
- Confident working cross-functionally with technical, operations and commercial teams.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement or supply chain professional to join a successful business where they can influence product strategy, supplier performance and operational excellence while contributing directly to future growth.
Benefits
- Annual salary review
- Bonuses twice yearly
- Lunch provided
- Life Assurance
Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation.
PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.
Senior Product / Category Buyer in Epping employer: Huntress
Join an established and growing international distributor that values your expertise as a Senior Product / Category Buyer. With a strong focus on employee growth, our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and offers unique benefits such as annual salary reviews, biannual bonuses, and provided lunches. Here, you will have the opportunity to influence product strategy and supplier performance while contributing to the company's continued success in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product / Category Buyer in Epping
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Product/Category Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around supplier management and inventory planning. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send 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 for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored to your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product / Category Buyer in Epping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Product / Category Buyer. Highlight your experience in procurement, supplier management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive supply chain performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've managed inventory levels or negotiated with suppliers, and show us your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use bullet points to clearly outline your experience with international supply chains, product compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. We want to see how you can add value!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Huntress
✨Know Your Product Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into the product categories you'll be managing. Understand their market trends, competitors, and any recent changes in compliance or quality standards. This knowledge will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about the products you'll be handling.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed suppliers in the past. Highlight your negotiation tactics and any improvements you've driven in cost, quality, or delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to enhance supplier performance, which is crucial for the Senior Product/Category Buyer role.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you analyse data to forecast demand and manage inventory levels. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful replenishment plans or sourcing opportunities. This will illustrate your commercial acumen and decision-making capabilities.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively with technical, sales, or operations teams. Share how you contributed to successful product launches or operational improvements, showcasing your ability to work cross-functionally.
