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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and influence the buying team while managing product solutions for our pet range.
- Company: Join Jollyes, an award-winning pet retailer with a passion for pets and people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellness support, discounts, and extra leave for special occasions.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in a dynamic, pet-friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong numerical skills, and a love for animals.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
Jollyes are on a journey of growth and transformation - we’re an award-winning, pet-specialist retailer, on the hunt for an experienced Buying Manager, adept in leading and influencing your team and other stakeholders, able to own the full end to end product solution for your category. It’s a very exciting time to embark on your Jollyes journey!
The Benefits:
- Competitive salary of up to £55,000 - £60,000 p.a. (depending on experience)
- iTrent financial wellbeing package, powered by Stream, enabling access to earnings before pay day plus lots more discounts and savings benefits.
- Retail Trust membership – counselling, wellbeing and financial support for the retail industry
- Colleague ‘Treats’ – numerous discounts on up to 800 high street retailers and online service providers from groceries to holidays and cinema trips
- Colleague ‘We Care’ wellbeing & medical support services – online GP, mental health support, get fit programme and much more (including ‘Tooth Fairy’ dentist on demand).
- 30% off Jollyes branded products (and 20% off other brands in store for your pet’s needs!) with discounts for our groomers and pet clinics too.
- Additional paid leave for your wedding, new pet coming home and your birthday off!
- Enhanced maternity / paternity leave
- Discounted membership for David Lloyd Clubs - access to gym, pool, spa, classes, racquet sports, kids clubs and more
- Further benefits on completion of probationary period (Critical illness, life assurance, PMI, enhanced pension).
This is a full time, hybrid role involving a minimum of 3 x office days per week at our pet-friendly support office in Waltham Abbey (Essex) and up to 2 x days per week from home (or other Jollyes location as preferred). 37.5 hours per week.
The Role:
This role sits within our Commercial team reporting to our Head of Buying. Our Buying Manager will be an inspirational and influential leader, working cross-functionally with key business functions and stakeholders. Responsible for the financial performance, product and supplier selection of specified sections or categories across our pet range with measurement criteria across net sales, margin, market share, range proposition, stock holding, inbound service levels and quality returns / complaints.
A full job description is available on request, but to summarise your key responsibilities:
- Working closely with your merchandising colleagues to own the full end to end product solution for each category from sourcing, ranging, service, store, online presentation through to exit.
- Build effective communications for retail teams to share the rationale and details of new product launches
- Source new supplier opportunities and supply routes, presenting range and propositions to the Commercial Director
- Successful supplier negotiations to achieve the best price point for our customers with regular review of market pricing and keeping abreast of competitor activity, market trends and insights.
- Supplier performance reviews against KPIs and managing any issues
- Creating category strategies, defining the range and associated margins, sharing category insights to the wider business.
- Working with L&D Manager to ensure colleague training for all new product launches and existing ranges
- Working with the Technical Manager to ensure we’re safe and legal at all times, supporting industry regulation and compliance across all product ranges, carrying out due diligence checks as needed.
The Skills – Buying Manager
To be successful in this role, you’ll need the following skills, experience and qualities:
- Share our values of being: Wise, Focused, Genuine, Eager, Together
- Financially competent and able to demonstrate strong numerical skills including interpretation of data
- Organised with evidence of horizon planning, critical path management and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Analytical with experience of excel and power point.
- Experience of FOB sourcing and negotiating (relating to ‘pet’ accounts)
- Solution orientated, not letting challenges become barriers with a self-driven, proactive approach
- Challenges the ‘norm’ creating alternative plans and thinking with an owner mindset.
- Adaptable and can adjust approach to suit business needs regardless of scale or company hierarchy
- An animal lover whether an owner or just a pet friend
- Demonstrates integrity and diligence – will do the right thing when nobody is watching
- Team player who works collaboratively and respects the needs of the team
- Respectful of diversity, creates an environment which recognises and respects individuality
About Jollyes Pets
Jollyes are an award-winning UK pet retailer with c120 stores and over 50 years of pet expertise between our paws. Past winners of the Pet Industry Federation ‘Best Pet Retailer’ and recent finalists, Retail Week award for ‘Best Retailer 2024’ (under £250m t/o), and listed in the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ you really can be sure you’re joining a great brand and employer, trusted by our customers and our colleagues. And with our accreditation to the Pet Sustainability Coalition, we're friendly to pets people and the planet too!
To Apply
If you’re looking for a career with an award-winning company who will truly value you and recognize your contribution with some fantastic rewards and benefits, where you can really make a difference, click to apply today!
Buying Manager employer: Jollyes Pets
Contact Detail:
Jollyes Pets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 Jollyes and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their growth journey. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the Buying Manager role. Keep it concise and engaging – think of it as your personal brand story.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the best choice.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing product categories, as well as any relevant achievements that align with Jollyes' values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for pets and how your skills can contribute to Jollyes' growth. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong numerical skills, don’t forget to mention your experience with data analysis and Excel. Give examples of how you've used these skills to drive results in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for joining the Jollyes team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jollyes Pets
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buying Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical skills. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets or improved margins.
✨Show Your Passion for Pets
Jollyes is all about pets, so make sure to express your love for animals during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your connection with pets, whether you're a pet owner or just a pet enthusiast. This will resonate well with the company's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of challenges you've faced in previous buying roles and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss alternative plans you've created when things didn't go as expected.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with other teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've built effective relationships with stakeholders to achieve common goals.