At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Frozen category, build supplier relationships, and drive sales strategies.
- Company: Iceland, a fast-growing food retailer with a focus on integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, store discounts, and subsidised dining options.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a rapidly expanding company.
- Qualifications: Experience in food retail buying and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for an ambitious Category Buying Manager (Frozen) 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 - Frozen (Head Office, North Wales) employer: Iceland
Iceland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Head Office in Deeside, North Wales. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for career advancement while fostering a culture of integrity and trust. Our competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, discounts, and onsite amenities, make Iceland a rewarding place to build your career in the fast-paced food retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buying Manager - Frozen (Head Office, North Wales)
✨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 Iceland, 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 Iceland!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buying Manager - Frozen (Head Office, North Wales)
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 Iceland, 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 Iceland 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 Iceland that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iceland
✨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!
