At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage grocery, gifting, and seasonal buying strategies.
- Company: Quest Search & Selection, a leader in retail strategy.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, discounts, hybrid work, and learning support.
- Other info: Flexible travel opportunities and a dynamic work environment await you.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving product selection and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or category management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Quest Search & Selection are currently supporting the category management team in delivering retail strategy for grocery, gifting & seasonal. In this role you will be involved in range planning, planograms, promotions, pricing and stock forecasting. You will build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers to ensure stock availability, using data analysis to inform category decisions, tenders, and trading terms.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports retail growth strategy, partnering with Finance teams to manage sales, margin, and KPI delivery.
- Analyses data and market trends to inform category direction, range selection, and stock forecasting.
- Maintains product data, costs files, and implements planograms across categories.
- Leads end-to-end development of bespoke products, ensuring quality, margin, and timely delivery.
- Develops and executes promotional and seasonal strategies, including POS and digital activity.
- Drives commercial performance through trading analysis, forecasting, and stock optimisation.
- Supports store layout, space planning, and effective communication of range and promotions.
- Manages supplier relationships, tenders, and day-to-day coordination on range, delivery, and merchandising.
- Gathers customer insights to inform category improvements.
Key Requirements
- Working as a Buyer, Senior Assistant or Junior level in a Buying, Category or NPD role.
- Ideally worked in different categories within non-food or grocery.
- Experience in new product development, concept creation, and design.
- Skilled in range architecture, planogram development, and space planning/analysis would be ideal.
- Proven supplier management and buying experience.
- Good commercial awareness, including understanding of P&L, sales, and margin drivers.
- Flexible to travel to different sites 1-2 times a month (car & driving license is highly desirable).
- Able to balance customer, operational, and commercial priorities when developing strategies.
Benefits
- Life assurance.
- 20% friends and family discount.
- Hybrid (50% on average office based).
- Free parking.
- Learning and development support.
Buyer (Grocery, Gifting & Seasonal) in Watford employer: Quest Search and Selection Ltd
At Quest Search & Selection, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the grocery, gifting, and seasonal sectors. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our robust learning and development support, alongside competitive benefits such as life assurance and generous discounts. Located in a vibrant area with convenient access and free parking, we provide a stimulating environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in your role as a Buyer.
Contact Detail:
Quest Search and Selection Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Grocery, Gifting & Seasonal) in Watford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience with data analysis and supplier management. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial performance in past roles – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of range planning and stock forecasting. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of market trends and customer insights during the conversation. Practice makes perfect!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Grocery, Gifting & Seasonal) in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in range planning, supplier management, and data analysis to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about grocery, gifting, and seasonal buying. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since data analysis is key for this role, don’t forget to mention any tools or methods you’ve used to inform category decisions. We love seeing how you’ve used data to make an impact in your past positions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. 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 Quest Search and Selection Ltd
✨Know Your Categories
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of grocery, gifting, and seasonal products. Understand the latest trends and how they impact range planning and stock forecasting. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past roles to inform decisions. Bring examples of how you've analysed market trends or optimised stock levels. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial awareness.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can showcase your experience in managing supplier relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've collaborated with stakeholders to achieve common goals. This will highlight your ability to work well with others, which is crucial for this position.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the job requires some travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to visit different sites. Mention any previous experiences where you had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, as this will show that you're ready for the dynamic nature of the role.
