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- Tasks: Lead and influence the buying team to optimise product selection and financial performance.
- 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: Make a real impact in a growing company that values your contributions and ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong numerical skills, and a love for pets.
- Other info: Hybrid role with great career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ 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: At Jollyes, we’re as passionate about our people as we are about our pets! We think our tail-wagging benefits package reflects our appreciation for all that our colleagues do and provides support where it’s needed most.
- 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 recognise your contribution with some fantastic rewards and benefits, where you can really make a difference, click to apply today!
Buying Manager in Epping employer: Jollyes Pets
Contact Detail:
Jollyes Pets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager in Epping
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pet retail industry or join relevant groups online. You never know who might have a lead on that Buying Manager role at Jollyes!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Jollyes and their product range. Show us you’re not just passionate about pets but also about how you can contribute to our growth and transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buying Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining the Jollyes family.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager in Epping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing product categories, as this is what we’re looking for at Jollyes!
Show Your Passion for Pets: We love animal lovers! In your application, share any personal experiences with pets or how your passion for animals has influenced your career. It’ll help us see how you fit into our Jollyes family.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and want to see your skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Jollyes.
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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Jollyes is looking for an inspirational leader. Think about your leadership style and how you influence your team and stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully led a project or initiative, highlighting your ability to motivate and engage others.
✨Understand the Pet Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the pet retail industry. Research Jollyes' product range and competitors. Being able to discuss market insights and how they could impact Jollyes will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of challenges you've faced in previous buying roles and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly demonstrate your thought process.