Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales by making impactful buying decisions and shaping product ranges.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest independent power & hand tool suppliers.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, employee discounts, pension scheme, and on-site gym.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and influence key product categories.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or a similar commercial role is desirable.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Why join us at ITS? 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.
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.
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
Desirable Experience:
- 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
- Employee Discount
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free secure on-site parking
- Great facilities with free tea/coffee
- Company & ad-hoc team social event
- On site Gym
Category Controller (Buyer) employer: ITS
Contact Detail:
ITS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller (Buyer)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show us that you understand our market and can bring fresh ideas to the table. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Controller, you'll need to influence results. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining our team at ITS.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller (Buyer)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: We want to see the real you! Don’t just list your skills; let your personality shine through in your application. Share a bit about what drives you and how you fit into our friendly, sociable atmosphere.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Category Controller role. Highlight your commercial instincts and any relevant experience in buying or the tools industry. We love seeing how you can contribute to our ambitious plans!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate clarity as much as creativity!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ITS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Controller, you'll be working with spreadsheets and data analysis. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed buying decisions in the past. This will show that you can handle the analytical side of the role.
✨Show Your Commercial Instincts
Prepare examples of how you've turned buying decisions into sales. Think about times when your market awareness helped shape product ranges or promotional activities. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and act quickly, which is crucial for this fast-paced environment.
✨Build Rapport with Suppliers
Since building strong supplier relationships is key, come prepared with ideas on how you would approach negotiations. Share any past experiences where you successfully influenced results through effective communication and relationship management.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role involves working closely with various teams, especially marketing. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated on projects or initiatives. Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally and how it contributed to achieving common goals.