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- Tasks: Shape product ranges for tools and hardware, driving sales and stock performance.
- Company: Join a leading independent retailer in the UK’s trades sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28-33 days holiday, employee discounts, gym access, and more!
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing business with a passion for tools.
- Qualifications: Experience with data, negotiation skills, and a keen interest in trade hardware.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Fully office based from Harlow, CM20 2BN
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum, DOE + Excellent Benefits!
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Benefits: 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank holidays) which increases with length of service up to 33 days, Employee Discount, Pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Free on-site gym, Free secure on-site parking, Great facilities with free tea/coffee and Company & ad-hoc team social events.
Shape the Product Ranges Used by the UK's Trades.
ITS (Industrial Tool Supplies) is one of the UK's leading independent retailers of power tools, hand tools, accessories, workwear and professional trade equipment. Established in 1979, we've grown from a single shop to a nationwide business with a high-performing ecommerce operation, major distribution hub, and expanding retail footprint. We're trusted by tradespeople, builders, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and serious DIYers who rely on us to stock the brands they know at prices they love.
We're now looking for a Category Buyer and Controller with a genuine interest in tools, trade hardware, power tool accessories, plumbing fittings, fixings, automotive consumables and other products used daily by UK trades. This is not a general buying role, it's a chance to shape the categories that keep Britain working.
About The Category Buyer and Controller Role:
- You'll take ownership of categories specifically aligned to hands-on trades, helping us build market-leading ranges across:
- Hand tools (spanners, wrenches, chisels, screwdrivers)
- Power tool accessories (blades, bits, abrasives, cutting & drilling)
- Plumbing & heating consumables
- Automotive tools & workshop essentials
- Site hardware, fixings, fasteners and trade consumables
You'll use your product understanding and commercial instinct to build the right range at the right price keeping ITS ahead of competitors and trusted by the trades who shop with us every day.
As our Category Controller, your responsibilities will include:
- Own your product categories and drive sales, margin and stock performance
- Build strong supplier relationships within hand tools, trade hardware, accessories, plumbing, automotive and related sectors
- Negotiate buying terms that deliver competitive prices and strong margin returns
- Maintain sharp, commercially focused pricing strategies
- Monitor competitor brands, pricing, promotions and market activity
- Ensure strong stock availability through accurate forecasting and demand planning
- Plan and execute promotions across our website, catalogue and retail stores
- Identify opportunities for bundles, add-ons, multipacks, trade deals and range improvements
- Work closely with marketing, ecommerce, retail, purchasing and warehouse teams
- Support the introduction of new brands, emerging products and trade innovations
To be successful in this role you must have:
- Proficiency working with data and spreadsheets including Excel and pivot tables
- The ability, experience and confidence to confidently negotiate and influence suppliers
- A commercially minded approach with strong market awareness
- A strong ability to work well within a fast paced environment
- Great organisation skills with a sharp attention to detail
It would be great if you had:
- Experience in buying, merchandising, sales or a commercial role
- Knowledge or interest in the tools, hardware, or construction industry
If you're a commercially minded, motivated, and looking for an opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-growing business, then please click APPLY today!
No agencies please.
Category Buyer and Controller employer: ITS
Contact Detail:
ITS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer and Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research ITS, their product ranges, and their competitors. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping their categories.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to buying and category management. Think about how you can demonstrate your commercial mindset and negotiation skills with real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ITS team!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer and Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer and Controller role. Highlight your experience with tools, trade hardware, and any relevant commercial roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for the industry and why you’re excited about this role at ITS. Let us know how you can contribute to shaping our product ranges.
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since this role involves working with data and spreadsheets, make sure to mention your proficiency in Excel and any experience with pivot tables. We love seeing candidates who can handle data like a pro!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ITS
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
As a Category Buyer and Controller, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the products you'll be dealing with. Research the latest trends in hand tools, power tool accessories, and plumbing fittings. Be prepared to discuss specific brands and products during your interview to show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so come ready to demonstrate your skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or prices. This will not only highlight your ability but also show that you can drive sales and margin performance effectively.
✨Be Data-Savvy
Since proficiency in data and spreadsheets is essential, brush up on your Excel skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles to inform buying decisions or improve stock performance. Mention any experience with pivot tables or forecasting to impress your interviewers.
✨Understand the Competitive Landscape
Familiarise yourself with ITS's competitors and their product offerings. During the interview, share insights about what makes ITS stand out and how you would approach monitoring competitor activity. This shows that you're commercially minded and ready to contribute to maintaining ITS's market-leading position.