Buyer

Buyer

St Albans Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own category strategies and drive sales through smart negotiations and data insights.
  • Company: Join a dynamic retail company based in St Albans, focused on innovative merchandise.
  • Benefits: Enjoy coaching for career growth and the chance to influence major retail decisions.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes the customer experience and drives market-leading propositions.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in buying/category management, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with popular delivery platforms like UberEats and Deliveroo.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Based in St Albans. Are you a commercially-minded Buyer with a passion for retail? We’re looking for a dynamic and driven individual to take ownership of a portfolio of small to medium-sized merchandise and services categories, helping to shape and grow our retail offer across the UK. As a Buyer, you’ll play a key role in driving sales, margins, and supplier income through the development of smart category strategies and distinctive, market-leading propositions. Working closely with the Senior Buyers and Head of Trading, you’ll influence every aspect of the customer offer — from price and promotions to range and space.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Own and develop category management strategies across your portfolio
  • Use data and consumer insights to shape a competitive and differentiated product offer
  • Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers, managing contracts, terms, and promotional plans
  • Partner with internal teams on pricing, promotional calendars, planograms and space planning
  • Drive income through supplier-funded activations — online, in-store and forecourt
  • Take a leading role in growing our third-party retail sales channels (UberEats, JustEat, Deliveroo)
  • Contribute to wider Commercial team initiatives and innovation opportunities
  • Receive coaching and development to grow your commercial career within the business

About You:

  • Minimum 3 years in a buying/category management role, ideally within retail or forecourt/convenience
  • Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
  • Experience working with suppliers, wholesalers, and third-party logistics
  • Highly analytical, confident with Excel and market data (IRI, Nielsen, etc.)
  • Clear communicator who thrives on cross-functional collaboration
  • Capable of building strategic supplier relationships and securing long-term value
  • Able to manage budgets, track performance, and drive continuous improvement

Please apply now.

Buyer employer: PRS Recruitment Group Ltd T/A Refuel Talent

As a Buyer based in St Albans, you will join a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to fostering talent is evident through tailored coaching and opportunities for career advancement, ensuring you thrive in your role while contributing to our innovative retail strategies. With competitive benefits and a dynamic team environment, we offer a rewarding workplace where your contributions directly impact our success across the UK.
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Contact Detail:

PRS Recruitment Group Ltd T/A Refuel Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in retail and category management. Understanding current market dynamics will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to our team and drive sales.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the buying and retail sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for opportunities at StudySmarter.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your negotiation successes and category management strategies in previous roles. Being able to articulate your experience will demonstrate your value to us as a potential Buyer.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your buying decisions. Highlighting your proficiency with tools like Excel and market data will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Buyer

Commercial Acumen
Negotiation Skills
Category Management
Data Analysis
Excel Proficiency
Supplier Relationship Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Budget Management
Performance Tracking
Market Insight Utilisation
Promotional Planning
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying or category management, especially within retail. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for retail and your understanding of the role. Mention how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed, such as developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships.

Highlight Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to mention your proficiency with Excel and any experience you have with market data analysis tools like IRI or Nielsen. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive decisions.

Showcase Collaboration Experience: Emphasise your ability to work cross-functionally. Provide examples of past collaborations with internal teams on pricing, promotions, or product offerings, as this is crucial for the Buyer position.

How to prepare for a job interview at PRS Recruitment Group Ltd T/A Refuel Talent

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of market trends and how they influence buying decisions. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully developed category strategies that drove sales and margins.

✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills

Since the role involves leading commercial negotiations, come equipped with examples of past negotiations you've handled. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, showcasing your ability to secure favourable terms with suppliers.

✨Utilise Data Effectively

As a Buyer, being analytical is key. Be ready to talk about how you've used data and consumer insights in your previous roles to shape product offerings. Familiarise yourself with tools like Excel and market data sources such as IRI or Nielsen to demonstrate your proficiency.

✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, whether in pricing, promotional planning, or space management. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships across departments.

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