At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in desserts & bakery category through strategic buying and supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join a progressive global organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Embrace an inclusive culture and thrive in a role with significant growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior buying experience in fast-paced food sectors and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Brakes are now recruiting for a Head of Merchandising who will drive overall desserts & bakery category growth through unlocking cost of goods "better than market" benefit, whilst supporting the development of the overall category plan to deliver volume, sales and margin growth, balancing the performance of quality, service and price. We are offering a hybrid working contract for this role. The successful candidate will be within a commutable distance to the Ashford, Kent office to attend site twice per week and be flexible with regular travel to meet with suppliers, customers and colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Drive overall desserts & bakery category growth through unlocking cost of goods "better than market" benefit.
- Support the development of the overall category plan to deliver volume, sales and margin growth, whilst having a balanced perspective on quality, service & price.
- Accountability for Brakes (local) spend, and ability to link with Sysco GB and International partners (plus Constellation buying alliance) to drive maximum Sysco International results.
- Lead and promote the "better buying" workstream of the desserts & bakery plan, negotiating the lowest cost prices, sourcing relevant products from the most appropriate suppliers, developing supplier partnerships, improving availability, contingency planning and supporting the range development including award winning innovation, collaborating with trusted supplier partners to develop sustainable and profitable relationships, with a clear understanding for how to develop added value and innovative products in an own brand driven category.
- Link the "better buying" workstream to both the "better selling" activation workstream and the ranging fundamentals of The Sysco 6 Stage Category Management process, showing understanding of the needs of our diverse customer base from large corporate to small independent foodservice businesses.
- Lead a small team of colleagues to cover the buying and administration of the category, while being the number 2 in the team to the Category Merchandising Director.
- You will live and breathe Customer First, with an innovative and agile approach to identify new ideas and methods.
- You will enjoy working collaboratively with a dedicated focus on driving and delivering results.
- You will be resilient and work well with ambiguity and building future solutions.
- Naturally, you will embrace an inclusive working environment and be committed to acting with integrity and honesty in everything you do.
Required skills and competencies
- You will have extensive senior level buying experience in a fast-moving food product category, ideally in retail, foodservice or FMCG environment, with international scope and different tendering models.
- We are looking for someone who has a clear understanding of and previous experience of working with Category Management and extensive negotiation & professional buying / category training.
- Strong commercial acumen and a proven commercial leader with experience running large buying / P&L areas is essential.
- You will illustrate solid experience in developing strategies which deliver sustained profitable growth, through buying and category growth perspectives.
- This role requires someone with strong external stakeholder management skills with supplier partners, demonstrating the balance of tactical & strategic relationships to maximise category profitability and growth.
- This is a great role for someone who is ambitious for further career development within Merchandising and an exciting, progressive Global organisation.
Head of Merchandising employer: Sysco Corporation
Brakes is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a hybrid working model and a focus on employee growth, the Head of Merchandising role provides opportunities to lead a dedicated team while driving category growth in a supportive environment. Located in Ashford, Kent, employees benefit from a strategic position that allows for regular engagement with suppliers and customers, fostering professional development and meaningful contributions to the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising
✨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 Sysco Corporation, 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 Sysco Corporation!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising
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 Sysco Corporation, 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 Sysco Corporation 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 Sysco Corporation that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sysco Corporation
✨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!
