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- Tasks: Drive commercial growth through supplier relationships and smart category planning.
- Company: Leading retail organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 25 days leave, pension, gym membership, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your negotiation and analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or trading, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in Excel.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career progression and a supportive team culture.
We’re looking for a Buyer / Trading Manager to join a leading retail organisation, supporting the delivery of commercial growth through strong supplier relationships, effective negotiation, and smart category planning. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong analytical and negotiation skills who’s looking to make an impact in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. You’ll play a key role in optimising trading performance, improving profitability, and ensuring great product availability for customers nationwide.
About You
- Proven experience in a trading, buying, or category management role within a recognised retail or FMCG brand.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to influence multiple stakeholders.
- Commercially astute with solid analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A team player with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
Desirable
- Degree in Business, Retail, or a related discipline.
- Experience in managing complex supplier portfolios and promotional planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category plans to reduce costs, improve supplier terms, and enhance profitability.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers, securing volume/time-driven agreements that maximise value and efficiency.
- Deliver against national income budgets, accurately forecasting schemes and managing associated risks.
- Create and deliver engaging promotional plans that drive category growth and align with marketing strategies.
- Manage supplier relationships, analysing performance and developing strategies for improvement.
- Oversee cost price management, negotiating increases and ensuring smooth communication with stakeholders.
- Lead category reviews and seasonal product strategies, ensuring strong collaboration across teams.
- Contribute to business improvement projects and continuous process optimisation.
Why Join
This hybrid position offers the chance to work for a well-established retail group that values innovation, collaboration, and development. You’ll benefit from:
- Competitive salary of £50,000
- 10% Bonus
- 25 days annual leave
- Pension & life assurance
- Gym membership
- Opportunities for learning, growth, and future progression
Buyer in Harrow employer: Parkside
Contact Detail:
Parkside Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local retail events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your negotiation skills. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to simulate tough questions. We want you to shine when discussing how you can optimise trading performance!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical prowess! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with solid evidence, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for proactive team players who are ready to make an impact in the retail world.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in trading, buying, or category management, and don’t forget to showcase those strong analytical and negotiation skills we’re after!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or driven category growth in your previous roles.
Show Off Your Skills: We want to see your proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools. If you’ve got any cool projects or achievements that demonstrate your analytical skills, make sure to include them in your application!
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 fantastic opportunity with our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to trading performance and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in past roles.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is crucial for this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved. Show them you can secure the best terms for the company.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing supplier relationships. Highlight specific instances where you've improved supplier performance or resolved conflicts. This will show your ability to maintain strong partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated with marketing, finance, or other departments to achieve common goals. Emphasise your proactive approach and solutions-focused mindset.