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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales by making impactful buying decisions and negotiating with suppliers.
- Company: Join ITS, a leading independent power and hand tool supplier in the UK with a vibrant online presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values your ideas and offers real impact on product success.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or a similar commercial role is essential; knowledge of tools or hardware is a plus.
- Other info: This is an office-based role in Harlow, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
ITS are one of the largest independent power & hand tool suppliers in the UK with a hugely successful on-line presence, and retail operation with ambitious plans for future growth and development. Our company prides itself on its strong work ethic, friendly and sociable atmosphere with a management structure who are supportive and keen to encourage internal progression.
Job Title: Category Controller
Location: Harlow (Office-Based Role)
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Head of Core Categories / Commercial Manager
This isn’t your standard buying role. We’re not here to offer just another procurement job where you tick boxes or just press buttons – you’re making the calls that drive sales – fast.
At ITS, buying means having commercial instincts, understanding the market and being ahead of the competition to exceed brand and margin targets.
Alongside negotiating keen cost prices with suppliers, you’ll be shaping product ranges, setting sell-out prices, and planning weekly promotional activity that keeps us ahead of the competition both online and in-store.
We’re a fast-paced, close-knit, ideas-driven team where the right personality in the office matters just as much as the experience.
What We Want Someone Who Is
- Full of energy and initiative
- Has commercial instinct to turn buying decisions into sales
- Confident in negotiating to influence results
- Clear decision making with the ability to act fast
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
- Negotiate, influence and deliver results
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity
- Collaborate with the wider team to shape product categories
- Monitor category performance and forecast
- Work cross-functionally with internal teams particularly the marketing department
- Plan and execute promotional activity across the website and in stores
What The Role Involves
- Regular use of spreadsheets, pivot tables, and data to make informed commercial decisions
- Switching between team projects and solo work to meet deadlines
- Staying organised and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Commercial awareness with a deep understanding of the target market and market pricing
- Primarily desk-based with use of Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and other internal software for analysis, pricing, and reporting
- Experience in buying, selling, or a similar commercial role
- Background or knowledge in the tools or hardware industry
Why Join Us?
You\’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team environment, working with exciting products and well-established suppliers. This role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to the direction and success of key product categories, with clear pathways for career progression and personal development.
If you think you have the drive and passion to excel in this role and have the appropriate skills and experience we would love to hear from you.
ITS offer a range of benefits including:-
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank holidays) which increases with length of service up to 33 days
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Buyer employer: Industrial Tool Supplies Ltd
Contact Detail:
Industrial Tool Supplies Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the tools and hardware industry. Understanding market trends and competitor activity will give you an edge in discussions and negotiations, showcasing your commercial instincts.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the buying and procurement field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at ITS.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially with pivot tables and data analysis. Being proficient in these areas will not only help you in the role but also impress during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work in a fast-paced environment by sharing examples from your past experiences. Highlight how you've successfully managed multiple priorities and made quick decisions that led to positive outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, selling, or similar commercial roles. Emphasise any achievements related to negotiating and influencing results, as these are key aspects of the Buyer role at ITS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your commercial instincts and decision-making abilities align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your proficiency in using spreadsheets and data analysis tools, particularly Microsoft Excel. Mention any experience you have with market trends and competitor analysis, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Since ITS values a friendly and sociable atmosphere, convey your personality and teamwork skills in your application. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Industrial Tool Supplies Ltd
✨Show Your Commercial Instincts
Demonstrate your understanding of market trends and how they influence buying decisions. Be prepared to discuss examples where your commercial instincts have led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Since this role involves negotiating with suppliers, come equipped with examples of past negotiations. Share how you influenced results and what strategies you used to secure better deals.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams, especially marketing. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you can contribute to a close-knit team environment.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Share specific instances where you thrived under pressure and made quick, informed decisions.
