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- Tasks: Own and grow a product category using digital strategies for maximum impact.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing IT solutions company in Birmingham City Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, gym access, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital innovation in the IT market.
- Qualifications: 3 years' experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with ongoing development opportunities and a city centre office.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Category Buyer is responsible for owning, developing, and growing a product category, using digital channels and platform-based buying behaviours to maximise commercial outcomes. This role blends traditional category procurement with a strong emphasis on digital-first strategies, working with vendors and distributors to optimise content, pricing, and promotional activities across our digital procurement platform. You will act as the subject matter expert for your product category, engaging cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, the Digital Experience team and Product Data Teams to position your category for commercial growth and relevance within the rapidly evolving IT market.
Digital & Commercial Strategy
- Drive category performance through digital transactions, leveraging our platform technology.
- Promote your category to internal and external stakeholders using digital-first propositions.
- Support the vendor onboarding process to the platform.
- Collaborate with the Product Data team to increase platform visibility and client adoption of your category.
- Regularly liaise with Marketing and Vendor Marketing Co-Ordinator to create digital promotional campaigns and vendor spotlights.
Vendor & Distribution Engagement
- Actively manage vendor and distributor relationships, building credibility and ensuring strategic alignment with our digital goals.
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and exclusive promotions tailored for platform sales.
- Drive supplier engagement with the platform and ensure they are aware of the wider digital offering.
- Champion rebate terms and commercial funding to drive profit margin.
Content & Catalogue Management
- Ensure category product content, descriptions, imagery, and specifications are accurate, complete, and optimised for digital search and conversion.
- Work closely with the Product Data Team to ensure product listings are kept up-to-date.
- Ensure pricing competitiveness and availability of key SKUs through regular benchmarking and price file audits.
Platform Advocacy & Sales Support
- Be the internal champion for your category: delivering training, updates, and insights to sales and digital experience teams.
- Advise on and configure end-user specific catalogues for large or repeat-buying customers.
- Analyse buying patterns and market data to identify market opportunities for re-engagement through the digital platform.
- Ensure that quotes are accurate, competitively priced, and aligned to customer expectations, with a strong emphasis on delivering rapid response times and high-quality service.
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best possible pricing, availability, and terms.
Market Insight & Innovation
- Stay informed on emerging technologies, competitor activity, and customer behaviour within your category.
- Attend vendor events, training sessions, and exhibitions to maintain expert knowledge and raise platform profile.
Operational Excellence
- Maintain a high standard of data quality, system accuracy, and response times.
- Support escalations in returns or delivery issues within your category.
About You
To join us as a Category Buyer, you will need at least 3 years previous experience in the IT and technology industry in a similar role and can demonstrate this through:
- Knowledge of the IT market and channel structure.
- Holding existing supply chain relationships and can develop new supplier relationships.
- Experience in negotiation of pricing and commercial terms of IT and technology products/services.
- The ability to hold supplier meetings to discuss product category objectives and demonstrate our business digital capability.
- Use of initiative to drive focus and development of your category.
- The ability to analyse data to make strategic business decisions.
- Understanding accreditation levels of appropriate vendors and seek ways to improve this.
- Supporting sales representatives in the management of large project based deals.
- Experience of specialising in a specific product set.
- Holding strong commercial awareness.
Key Behaviours
- Commercially Minded
- Organised & Detail-Oriented
- Resilient
- Accountable
- Confident Communicator
- Innovative
- Customer-Focused
- Collaborative
- Self-Driven
Why Join Probrand?
Join a digitally innovative and rapidly growing IT solutions company with a unique value proposition. City centre office including an onsite café, free access to gym and shower facilities. Supportive, collaborative culture with ongoing development opportunities. Comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme, holiday trading, life insurance, EAP, discounted tech, electric car salary sacrifice scheme and hybrid working.
Category Buyer in Birmingham employer: Probrand Limited
Contact Detail:
Probrand Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the IT industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your knowledge of digital procurement and category management. Share specific examples of how you've driven category performance in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly and express your interest in working with them. Tailor your message to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in digital strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in the IT market and digital procurement. This not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more attractive candidate. Plus, it gives you great talking points during interviews!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in digital procurement and vendor management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with our digital-first strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the IT market and how your skills can drive category performance. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Digital Savvy: Since this role is all about blending traditional procurement with digital strategies, make sure to highlight your experience with digital platforms and any innovative approaches you've taken in previous positions. We love seeing creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Probrand Limited
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the product category you'll be managing. Understand current trends, key players, and emerging technologies in the IT market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
Since this role emphasises digital-first strategies, be prepared to discuss your experience with digital procurement platforms. Share examples of how you've leveraged technology to drive category performance or improve vendor relationships. Highlighting your digital skills will demonstrate that you’re aligned with the company's goals.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation tactics and commercial terms. Think of specific instances where you successfully negotiated pricing or terms with suppliers. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your approach clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to discuss your experience working cross-functionally. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with sales, marketing, or product teams to achieve common goals. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
