At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category sales and manage inventory for fishing products.
- Company: Join the UK's leading specialist angling retailer, Angling Direct.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, staff discounts, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious team and work with top angling brands.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying within a passionate and growing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or commercial roles with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Salary
Competitive
Hours
Full Time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location
Hybrid Working, Head Office, Rackheath, Norwich
Reporting to
- Category Buyer, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea & Game
- Join the UK's Leading Specialist Angling Retailer
At Angling Direct, we're passionate about helping anglers enjoy more successful days on the bank.
As the UK's leading omni-channel fishing tackle retailer, we are committed to delivering the best products, expert knowledge and outstanding customer experiences across the UK and Europe.
We are looking for an Assistant Category Buyer to support our Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game categories.
This is an exciting opportunity for an organised, analytical and commercially minded individual looking to develop a career in buying and category management within the angling industry.
Working closely with the Category Buyer, you will help deliver a commercially competitive and profitable category through effective range management, supplier support, stock optimisation, promotional activity and commercial analysis.
What You'll Be Doing
As Assistant Category Buyer, you will
- Support the delivery of category sales, margin and stock targets through effective pricing, ranging and inventory management.
- Maintain accurate product, supplier and pricing information across multiple systems.
- Analyse sales, stock, margin, competitor activity and market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
- Support new product launches, range reviews and category development projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and brand partners.
- Assist in preparing for pricing, promotional and supply negotiations.
- Raise and manage purchase orders, forward orders and seasonal buying activity.
- Work with Inventory and Supply Chain teams to maximise product availability and improve stock performance.
- Support promotional planning and execution alongside Marketing, Ecommerce and Retail teams.
- Produce reports and commercial insights using systems such as Power BI and ERP platforms.
- Assist with warranty claims, supplier queries, category projects and new store initiatives.
- Attend supplier meetings, trade shows and industry events where required.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience within retail, buying, merchandising, supply chain or a commercial support role.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
Desirable
- Experience using Power BI, Ometria, SAP, Oracle, Epicor or similar business systems.
- Knowledge of category management, merchandising or inventory planning.
- Retail, FMCG, sport, leisure or outdoor industry experience.
- Knowledge of, or a keen interest in, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game fishing.
- Passion for angling and understanding of the wider fishing market.
- What Success Looks Like
- Delivery against category sales, margin and stock turn targets.
- Strong stock availability and inventory performance.
- Accurate product, supplier and pricing administration.
- Successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
- Insightful reporting that supports commercial decision-making.
- Strong and effective supplier relationships.
Why Join Angling Direct?
- Hybrid working with a modern Head Office based in Rackheath, Norwich.
- Opportunity to develop into a Category Buyer role.
- Staff discount across our extensive product range.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Work with some of the leading brands in the angling industry.
- Be part of a growing, ambitious and passionate business.
Whether you're already working in a buying, merchandising or commercial support role, or looking for the next step in your career, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills within a specialist retail environment.
Apply today and help shape the future of our Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game categories at Angling Direct.
Assistant Category Buyer, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game, UK and Europe in Rackheath employer: Premium site
Angling Direct is an exceptional employer for those passionate about fishing, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment in Birmingham. As a Sales Advisor, you'll not only share your expertise with fellow anglers but also enjoy generous staff discounts and the opportunity to earn quarterly commissions based on your performance. Join us in inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors while growing your career in the thriving angling industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Buyer, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game, UK and Europe in Rackheath
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
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✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Premium site!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Buyer, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game, UK and Europe in Rackheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Premium site, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Premium site and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Premium site that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premium site
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!