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- Tasks: Lead category buying for chilled products and drive sales strategies.
- Company: Iceland, a leading innovative food retailer in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, store discounts, and subsidised dining.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing company and make a real impact in food retail.
- Qualifications: Experience in food retail buying and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Think of Iceland and you think of frozen food… And rightly so – it’s been the driving force behind our brand for over 50 years. But did you know that we’re also the most innovative food retailer in the UK operating across chilled and ambient categories too, and the winner of multiple awards for our products, service and the way we treat our employees?
We’re looking for an ambitious Category Buying Manager (Chilled) to work in our Head Office in Deeside on a full time and permanent basis.
At Iceland have the freedom and autonomy to succeed. From the outset, you’ll think quickly and act decisively. You’ll build strong relationships with suppliers, implement the category strategy to maximise sales and improve margins. The credibility to influence at a very senior level in retail is vital. You’ll be able to act as a role model for others in the team, ensuring that we keep one step ahead of retail trends, competitor activities and consumer demands.
A proven track record in delivering and maintaining a distinct point of difference across your category is essential. Buyers with experience working in Food Retail would have the ideal knowledge required for this role. You must have the experience to review suppliers, introduce new sources and negotiate trading terms. Your Buying experience will give you the knowledge to oversee supply, ensure continuity and product availability. A background in a complex, constantly changing food retail environment would be ideal.
Iceland’s one of the fastest-moving, fastest growing food retailers around and we’ve now set our sights on expanding our new concept stores even further. This growth will create lots of exciting new challenges and future career opportunities – but no matter how much we grow, we will always be a business with integrity and a brand that customers trust
Make a difference to your career, we expect a lot but you’ll get a lot back in return. We will help you grow and develop your career and give you the freedom to show that you really care.
Alongside this we can offer you:
- A very competitive salary with an excellent benefits package
- 25 days holiday, plus 8 days bank holiday
- 15% store discount, 30% club individual restaurant discount
- Free parking
- Highly subsidised restaurant onsite with our own Michelin Star Chef!
- Subsidised Costa onsite
- Discounted gym membership
- Charity fundraising events
- Educational sponsorship
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- Long service awards
- Reward & recognition
Category Buying Manager - Chilled (Head Office, North Wales) employer: Iceland
Contact Detail:
Iceland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buying Manager - Chilled (Head Office, North Wales)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food retail industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Iceland’s latest trends and innovations. Show us you’re not just another candidate by being genuinely interested in what we do. Bring fresh ideas to the table during interviews – we love seeing candidates who are passionate about our brand!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions specific to buying roles. Think about how you’d handle supplier negotiations or improve product availability. We want to see your thought process and how you tackle challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying – a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buying Manager - Chilled (Head Office, North Wales)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Retail: When you're writing your application, let your love for food retail shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our innovative approach at Iceland, especially in the chilled category. Make it personal and relatable!
Highlight Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your successes! Whether it's negotiating better trading terms or improving sales margins, we want to know how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Category Buying Manager role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there, which can help you tailor your application even further.
How to prepare for a job interview at Iceland
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the chilled food category. Understand current trends, key suppliers, and what sets Iceland apart from competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Build Relationships with Examples
Prepare specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with suppliers in the past. Think about times when your negotiation skills led to better trading terms or improved product availability. Sharing these stories will highlight your experience and ability to influence at a senior level.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've implemented category strategies in previous roles. Think about how you maximised sales and improved margins. This will show that you can think quickly and act decisively, which is crucial for the fast-paced environment at Iceland.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Iceland is all about growth and change, so be prepared to talk about how you've thrived in complex, constantly changing environments. Share examples of how you've adapted to new challenges and how you keep ahead of retail trends and consumer demands.