At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive the Cheese Category strategy and optimise performance through innovative buying plans.
- Company: Join a leading retail company focused on growth and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food retail industry with your expertise in category management.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in retail buying, preferably with cheese category experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To compile and execute the Cheese Category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused.
Minimum Requirements:
- Preferably relevant university Degree
- 3+ years retail Buying and Category Management experience essential in Cheese will be an added advantage
- Proven and consistent success on financial KPI’s
- Extensive commercial knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of store operations combined with category knowledge and in store execution
- SAP knowledge is an added advantage
Competencies:
- Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals and in depth knowledge of product costings
- Ability to understand building of recipes and factoring in various relatable costs, from raw material to packaging
- Ability to understand and analyse complex detailed information to identify the source of the issues and recommend solutions to enhance the category performance
- Have the understanding of all Commercial levers in Foods retail
- Commercial and Financial Acumen
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Networking and Relationship Building
- Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)
- Sound Negotiation and Influencing skills
- Good Presentation skills
Key Responsibilities:
- Understand negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develop and present factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understand when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes
- Anticipate negotiating roadblocks and objections, ensuring any contractual agreements entered into are structured according to the regulatory controls in place
- Develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth
- Evaluate merchandising plans and their business impact; make recommendations
- Identify and recommend process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction
- Maintain a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; use knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans
- Implement and execute tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay’s overall business strategy
- Integrate with Store Operations and Store teams to drive the implementation of the category plan
- Communicate regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; use metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develop and implement contingency plans to close performance gaps
- Demonstrate confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers whilst reinforcing the importance of Pick n Pay’s values, buying strategies and corporate initiatives
- Implement and execute Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP’s overall business strategy
- Develop and implement action plans to enable the attainment of financial goals, leveraging knowledge of factors and trends that are likely to impact financial performance of the category
Closing Date: 19 June 2026
Category Buyer employer: Pty
At Pick n Pay, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Category Buyer in the Cheese Category, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with our focus on customer satisfaction and sustainability, makes us a rewarding place to build your career in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨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!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Pty, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨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 Pty!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
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 Pty, 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 Pty 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 Pty that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pty
✨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!
