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- Tasks: Manage procurement and supply chain processes to drive JDP’s commercial success.
- Company: Join a stable and growing UK company in civils drainage and water management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, monthly bonuses, pension scheme, and full training support.
- Other info: Flexible/hybrid working after probation and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape product offerings and make a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a category buyer with strong communication and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Company Description
At JDP, we are the experts in civils drainage and water management. For over half a century we’ve been combining quality products, knowledgeable staff, dedicated delivery, a national branch network and technical assistance to be the one-stop shop for our customers. We continue to experience remarkable growth and stability, and this is thanks to our unwavering commitment to excellent customer service and robust business strategy. Following fantastic results in 2024 and a record breaking 2025 we continue to go from strength to strength. Our people are at the heart of our operations, and we pride ourselves on being a great company to work for. There has never been a better time to join us!
Job Description
Are you ready to shape the future of our product offering and play a pivotal role in driving JDP’s commercial success? Flexible / Hybrid working following successful probation period.
A Category Buyer will manage many aspects of the procurement and supply chain process including compliance, quality, specifications, deliveries, and pricing. Relationships with suppliers and product range management will be a key part of their duties in order to successfully manage a group or category of products for JDP from cradle to grave. They will be responsible for cooperating with stakeholders to provide a coherent sourcing, pricing, and promotional mix of a product category to maximise customer appeal. The goal is to increase sales and profitability of the business and drive sustainable growth through optimising opportunities in sourcing and selling products that meet customer needs and align with JDP’s strategic aims.
Ideally, an experienced category buyer must have knowledge in managing supplier relationships and the civils and drainage environment. In this role the ability to work with stakeholders to link supplier products and customer needs to optimise opportunities is crucial, for which an appropriate amount of travel may be required.
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Manage master data for suppliers, products and purchasing within a category.
- Produce and review purchasing forecasts in line with annual budgets and market information.
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for buying, sales and margin improvements.
- Contribute to long-term development strategies for product categories through all JDP customer segments and channels.
- Carry out range reviews to identify the best suppliers for our product requirements and negotiate the best deal.
- Build trusting relationships with suppliers to achieve better pricing and quality of service based on JDP being the best route to market for their products.
- Manage supplier information and required documentation for compliance, quality and specifications, to ensure smooth trading.
- Develop exit strategies with stakeholders for unsuccessful products and work with inventory to keep provisioned stock in line with budgets.
- Contribute to range strategies for the products within the category, including what will be stocked where and in what quantities.
- Work with stakeholders to build merchandising plans for products.
- Work with Category Manager and marketing teams to develop promotional campaigns for a product category.
- Make forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory.
- Assume responsibility for overseeing budget development and revenue for category.
- Liaise with line manager to maximise all commercial opportunities.
Qualifications
You will come to us with:
- Proven experience as category buyer or similar role.
- Experience in managing product categories and suppliers.
- Solid knowledge of buying, marketing and sales principles.
- Excellent communication and people skills.
- Extensive experience of the civils and drainage market would be desirable.
Key skills:
- Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with a range of stakeholders, including suppliers to ensure JDP is the best route to market for their products.
- Proactive and driven to overcome obstacles to deliver success through creative thinking and good stakeholder collaboration.
- Good understanding of buying, marketing and sales principles.
- Understanding and use of data analysis and forecasting methods.
- Good negotiation skills to ensure the right products for our markets are sourced at the right price.
- Project planning and organisational skills along with requisite IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office, in particular Microsoft Excel, Phocas and SAP systems.
- The ability to work as part of a team whilst also being able to take ownership of projects as required.
Additional Information
Benefits:
- Enjoy a long-term career with a stable and growing UK company, proudly owned by a global group.
- Receive a competitive salary that reflects your skills and contributions.
- Benefit from a monthly bonus scheme that rewards the team's dedication.
- Secure your future with our contributory pension scheme.
- Access full support and training to help you thrive in your role.
Category Buyer in Carlisle employer: JDP
Contact Detail:
JDP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the civils and drainage industry on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching JDP and understanding their product offerings. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills as a Category Buyer can directly contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the JDP team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and your knowledge of the civils and drainage market. 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! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to JDP's success. Don't forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your buying and negotiation skills.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Category Buyer, you'll need excellent communication skills. In your application, demonstrate how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past. We love seeing examples of how you've built strong relationships with suppliers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don't miss out on any important updates. Plus, it's super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at JDP
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into JDP's product offerings, especially in civils drainage and water management. Familiarise yourself with their key suppliers and any recent developments in the industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with suppliers and achieved better pricing or quality. This will highlight your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively, which is crucial for a Category Buyer.
✨Understand Stakeholder Collaboration
Think about times when you've worked with various stakeholders to achieve a common goal. Be prepared to share specific examples that showcase your communication skills and how you’ve linked supplier products to customer needs. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly in forecasting and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your buying decisions in the past. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and your ability to optimise product categories for maximum profitability.