At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product innovation and manage supplier relationships in the Floorcare category.
- Company: Join a leading wholesale trade company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, bonuses, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid work style with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Floorcare products and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or product development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
- Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare, Stoke on Trent
- Employment Type
- Full Time, Permanent
- Application Start Date
- Application End Date
- Location
- Stoke on Trent
- State/County
- Staffordshire
- ST4 2NL
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Work Style
- Hybrid
- Wholesale trade/import export
Experience
Buying - Household Appliances / Housewares
Education
- Relevant Qualifications / Certifications advantageous
- Description
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- Come and help us to celebrate 35 years of business
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.
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Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare employer: RKW
Rkw in Stoke-on-Trent is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee engagement and development. With benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and free parking, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth, Rkw fosters an environment where HR professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the organisation's strategic initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare
✨Get to Know the Industry Events
Dive into wholesale distribution trade shows and local industry meet-ups. These events are gold mines for networking and can even lead to job leads. Plus, getting face time with companies like RKW can make you stand out!
✨Connect with Industry Professionals
Join online forums and communities specific to wholesale distribution. Places like LinkedIn groups or industry-specific Slack channels can put you in touch with insiders who know about the latest job openings at companies like RKW before they even get posted.
✨Tailor Your Approach to Distribution Roles
When you apply for full-time roles, make sure your interactions highlight your understanding of supply chain management and logistics. Companies like RKW want to see that you get the bigger picture and can contribute to their efficiency!
✨Follow Up Like a Pro
After you've sent in your application, don't be shy! Follow up with a brief message to express your enthusiasm for the role. This not only shows initiative but keeps your name fresh in the minds of recruiters at RKW.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Distribution Know-How:For a role in wholesale distribution, it’s crucial to highlight any experience you have with supply chain management or logistics. Make sure to detail any relevant projects or roles on your CV that show you understand how products move from point A to point B efficiently.
Quantify Your Achievements:When crafting your CV, don’t just list tasks; instead, focus on achievements that can be quantified. For example, mention how you increased delivery efficiency by a percentage or managed a specific number of vendors. Numbers stand out and prove you can make a difference at RKW.
Tailored Cover Letter Approach:In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about wholesale distribution and what excites you about the specific challenges at RKW. Show us you’ve done some research on the company, and mention any values or initiatives they have that resonate with you.
Highlight Team Collaboration Skills:Since wholesale distribution often requires working closely with teams, emphasise your teamwork skills in your application. Include examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with colleagues, suppliers, or stakeholders to improve operations or resolve issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at RKW
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
In the wholesale distribution sector, being able to analyse market trends and inventory data is key. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled inventory management issues or implemented solutions that improved efficiency; this will show RKW that you can handle the analytical side of the role.
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Since logistics play a massive part in wholesale distribution, it's vital to familiarise yourself with the tools and software used in the industry, like ERP systems or supply chain management platforms. Mention any experience you have with these tools during the interview to impress RKW.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that revolve around real-life situations in wholesale distribution, such as how you'd handle supply chain disruptions or manage relationships with suppliers. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies on these topics to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Long-Term Potential
As you're applying for a full-time role, RKW will want to see your commitment to growing within the organisation. Be ready to discuss your career aspirations and how this role aligns with your goals, emphasising that you are in it for the long haul!
