At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product innovation and manage supplier relationships in the Floorcare category.
- Company: Join a leading consumer goods business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid working, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and team leadership.
- Why this job: Shape innovative products and develop your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or product development with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and product-focused Buyer / Senior Buyer (DOE) to help drive the future of our Floorcare category across our portfolio of leading brands, including Tower, Swan and customer own-brand ranges.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Buyer who thrives on turning ideas into successful products.
You will be responsible for identifying market opportunities, developing innovative products, managing supplier relationships and bringing new ranges to market.
Working closely with the Category Director and a wide range of internal stakeholders, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the category and driving commercial success, covering the full product lifecycle, from concept and sourcing through to launch and ongoing performance.
You will also support and develop junior team members while working collaboratively across Product Development, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and Operations teams.
This position offers a genuine progression pathway for individuals looking to develop into a Senior Buyer or future category leadership role.
We are also able to consider applications from professionals currently at Senior Buyer level.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Category & Product Development -
- Own the development and execution of the Floorcare product roadmap.
- Identify market trends, consumer insights and emerging technologies to drive product innovation and category growth.
- Develop commercially successful products from concept through to market launch.
- Build and maintain compelling product ranges across branded and customer own-brand portfolios.
- Evaluate product specifications, features, performance and competitor offerings to make informed commercial recommendations.
- Ensure all products align with brand strategy, customer requirements and market opportunities.
- Sourcing & Supplier Management -
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manufacturing partners globally.
- Work closely with our sourcing teams and international suppliers to identify new product opportunities and improvements.
- Lead negotiations on product specifications, costs, lead times and quality improvements to achieve business objectives.
- Manage supplier performance to ensure high standards of quality, service and delivery.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration -
- Act as the central point of coordination throughout the product lifecycle.
- Work closely with Product, Sales, Supply Chain, Warehouse and other support teams to ensure successful product launches.
- Support Quality and Compliance teams in product assessments, testing requirements and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with Marketing teams to deliver best-in-class product positioning, packaging and launch campaigns.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of product information, packaging, artwork and marketing materials.
- Commercial & Category Management -
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements to identify opportunities and risks.
- Prepare and present category reviews, competitor analysis and product recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of category sales, margin and profitability targets.
- Manage new and repeat product orders, ensuring consistency of supply and product quality.
- Team Leadership -
- Offer supervision and guidance to Buying Administrators and/or Assistant Buyers within the category.
- Support, coach and develop junior colleagues to maximise individual and team performance.
- Help drive continuous improvement within buying processes and ways of working.
- Trade Shows & Travel -
- Attend UK and international trade shows to identify new products, suppliers and market trends.
- Support the planning and execution of exhibitions and customer events where required.
- International travel may be required to visit suppliers and manufacturing facilities across China, India and Europe.
About you
Essential Skills & Experience -
- Proven experience within a Buyer, Product Development, Category Management or similar commercial role.
- Demonstrable success in developing products from concept through to market launch.
- Strong experience working with international suppliers and Far East manufacturing partners.
- Good understanding of import and export processes.
- Commercially aware, with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management capability.
- Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power Point and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple departments.
- High attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality outcomes.
Desirable -
- Experience within Floorcare, SDA, Housewares, Consumer Electronics or a related consumer goods category.
- Previous experience managing, mentoring or developing junior team members.
- Experience working within a fast-paced retail, FMCG or consumer products business.
- Personal Attributes -
- Proactive and commercially driven.
- Passionate about product development and innovation.
- Confident communicator and relationship builder.
- Positive, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Eager to learn, develop and take ownership.
Company Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
- Hybrid working (post induction / training)
- Annual company bonus scheme based on company and individual performance
- Staff discount on all RKW products
- Free parking on all sites
- Complimentary drinks
- Canteen facilities with hot beverage vending machines
- Mobile sandwich van
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Eye care allowance
- Exclusive discounts on cinema, holidays, days out, dining and more
- Long service incentives and rewards
- Join
RKW and play a leading role in shaping innovative Floorcare products from concept to consumer, while developing your career within one of the UK's leading consumer goods businesses .
If you feel you have the right background and experience to carry out this busy role, we look forward to hearing from you, please apply now!
Come and help us to celebrate 35 years of business
If you feel you have the right background and experience to carry out this busy role, we look forward to hearing from you, apply now via this link or email your cv directly to
**Notice to agencies.
R K Wholesale Limited (the Company) will not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, search firms, or independent agents for this available role.
Resumes submitted without authorisation and valid signed agreement in place will become the sole property of the Company.
Therefore, no fee will be payable should a candidate be hired as a result of an unsolicited agency, search firm or independent agent's referral. **
Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare in Stafford employer: RKW Limited
RKW Ltd offers a vibrant and supportive work environment where employees can thrive in their roles, particularly as a Dropship Sales Order Processor. With a focus on building strong customer relationships and a commitment to employee development, RKW provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. Enjoy benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, free parking, and exclusive discounts, all while being part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare in Stafford
✨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
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✨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 RKW Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare in Stafford
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 RKW Limited, 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 RKW Limited 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 RKW Limited that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at RKW Limited
✨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!
