Buying Manager

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 their team and other stakeholders, able to own the full end‑to‑end product solution for their category. It’s a very exciting time to embark on your Jollyes journey!

The Benefits

• Competitive salary of up to £55,000 - £60,000p.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 another 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. They will be responsible for the financial performance, product and supplier selection of specified sections or categories across our pet range with measurement criteria across netsales, 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 PowerPoint.
• 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 over 120 stores and more than 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! Respectfully, no agencies please.