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- Tasks: Own and grow a product category using digital-first strategies for maximum impact.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing IT solutions company with a unique value proposition.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, gym access, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with ongoing development opportunities in a city centre office.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the IT market while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in IT procurement, strong negotiation skills, and commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 ÂŁ 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.
- 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.
- 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 keep product listings up to date.
- Ensure pricing competitiveness and availability of key SKUs through regular benchmarking and price file audits.
- Be the internal champion for your category: deliver 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.
- 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.
- Maintain a high standard of data quality, system accuracy, and response times.
- Support escalations in returns or delivery issues within your category.
- Supply chain admin duties to provide admin support when required to cover team holidays for:
- Post order admin queries
- Back‑order reports
- Alternative supplier reports
- At least 3 years of previous experience in the IT and technology industry in a similar role.
- Knowledge of the IT market and channel structure.
- Existing supply chain relationships and the ability to develop new supplier relationships.
- Experience in negotiation of pricing and commercial terms of IT and technology products/services.
- Ability to hold supplier meetings to discuss product category objectives and demonstrate our business digital capability.
- Initiative to drive focus and development of your category.
- Ability to analyse data to make strategic business decisions.
- Understanding of accreditation levels of appropriate vendors and ways to improve this.
- Support sales representatives in the management of large project‑based deals.
- Experience specialising in a specific product set.
- Strong commercial awareness.
- Commercially Minded
- Organised & Detail‑Oriented
- Resilient
- Accountable
- Confident Communicator
- Innovative
- Customer‑Focused
- Collaborative
- Self‑Driven
- Digital innovative and rapidly growing IT solutions company with a unique value proposition.
- City centre office with 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.
IT Category Buyer in Birmingham employer: Probrand Limited
Contact Detail:
Probrand Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT 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. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to boost your skills. This not only makes you more attractive to employers but also shows your commitment to growth.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Buyer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of IT Category Buyer. Highlight your experience in digital procurement and any relevant vendor management skills. We want to see how you can drive category performance!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your understanding of the IT market and how your previous experiences align with our digital-first strategies. Let us know why you're excited about this role!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves analysing buying patterns and market data, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in data analysis. We love candidates who can make strategic decisions based on insights!
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 get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Probrand Limited
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the IT market and understand the specific product category you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and emerging technologies. This will not only show your passion but also position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can drive category performance.
✨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 optimise content, pricing, or promotional activities in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt to the company's digital goals.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation tactics and supplier relationship management. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or built strong vendor relationships. Highlight your approach to achieving the best possible outcomes while maintaining credibility and alignment with business objectives.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to discuss how you've worked cross-functionally in the past. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with sales, marketing, and product data teams. This will showcase your collaborative spirit and your understanding of how to drive commercial growth.