At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Buyer and manage product selection and inventory for our tile brands.
- Company: Topps Group is the UK's leading tile retailer with a strong presence and multiple brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, employee discounts, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence product trends and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the tile industry with a focus on sustainability.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; passion for retail and eagerness to learn are key!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
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Topps Group is home to premier UK tile brands including Topps Tiles, Pro Tiler Tools, Parkside, Tile Warehouse & CTD. Our foremost retail brand Topps Tiles stands as the nation’s largest specialist distributor of tiles and associated products with 300 stores nationwide. Our plans for growth across both domestic and commercial markets, across physical stores and online, mean we continuously seek new and fresh talent to complement our current team, as well as developing our people to reach their full potential.
We are currently looking for a Coverings Buyer to join us! As a senior member of the team, reporting into the Head of Buying, this role is responsible for delivering the buying and ranging strategy with a strong focus on category expansion and growth. Working closely with the Head of Buying you will develop and manage our product portfolio, through carrying out the sourcing plan within the prescribed categories and delivering the right products at the right time. This role drives cost-efficiency, supplier performance, and procurement innovation, whilst supporting cross-functional stakeholders to optimise supply chain outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
CUSTOMER / STRATEGY / PLAN
- Developing a category plan & strategy for 1-3 years that includes market leading products and suppliers
- To ensure that the customer can buy from a wide range of products and ranges
- Identify range opportunities with the Head of Buying for Topps Group trading units
- To ensure a market leading range which appeals to all targeted customer groups
- To source ‘exclusive’ ranges bespoke for Topps Group customers
- Drive growth in category expansions and new business channels that are yet to mature
- Negotiate complex contracts and commercial terms with new and existing suppliers
- Analyse market trends and supplier capabilities to inform purchasing decisions
- Review current sourcing methods and suppliers to ensure value for money and ethical sourcing
- To provide the business with real time data on competition, current trends and fashion
- Manage supplier relationships and performance
PEOPLE / LEADERSHIP
- Lead and develop and mentor a team of Junior Buyers and provide wider leadership across the business
- To provide the link between the supply chain and distribution
- To build, maintain and enhance supplier relationships and promote brand
- Work cross functionally across the business to align buying with business needs
FINANCIAL / COMMERCIALS
- Maximise all opportunities to ‘buy better’, driving industry leading gross margins and stock turn
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and contribute to budget control measures
- Lead the team of Buyers to exceed KPI’s and carry out reviews / feedback identifying areas for improvement.
- Overall accountability for product spend, rebate and gross margin targets for area
- To manage projects to agreed times and investment levels
- To review the price point structure and create clear range architecture for colleague and customers
- Commercial awareness of competitor activity
RISK / PROCESS
- Work with Head of Buying to promote best practice risk and process management regarding sign off process for range cycles and continuous refresh of product within store
- Ensure regular reviews are undertaken in terms of price point structure.
- Ensure business risk to currency and region is effectively managed
- Ensure solid exit plan for discontinued stock
- Reduce stock capacity
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
ESSENTIAL
- Strong buying experience and a proven track record of over achievement and high performance in a retail buying role
- Ability to coach, develop and mentor
- International sourcing experience
- Able to undertake significant overseas travel (up to 2 months a year)
- Success in developing healthy long term supplier relationships
- Highly developed influencing and negotiation techniques
- Constructively challenge opinions and status quo
- Demonstrate creative thinking, use of initiative and ‘thinking outside the box’
- Highly commercial with exceptional organizational and influencing skills
- Professional and collaborative in approach, able to develop strong working relationships across the business and with suppliers
- Good leadership skills with the ability to challenge as well as inspire and coach
- Technically knowledgeable
- An ambassador for the business
In a culture where hard work is recognised and great results are rewarded; you can look forward to a company bonus that will give you a share of our success (Up to 30% of your base salary). Then there’s a car or car allowance, Private medical via Bupa, generous staff discount, a Share Save scheme, pension and life assurance, a holiday allowance that increases with length of service and a wide range of other benefits. Plus, flexible working, free on-site parking, generous discounts on products and services and more. A lot more. We’re committed to promoting talent from within too, which means you’ll be well-supported to build a rewarding career with an individual development plan and lots of training on offer.
#J-18808-LjbffrBuyer - Coverings in Leicester employer: Topps Tiles
Topps Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the tile industry. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities and benefits, including competitive salaries and a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Join us in our mission to lead the market while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a thriving retail sector across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Coverings in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the tile industry and the specific brands under Topps Group. Understanding their product range and market positioning will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the tile and coverings sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture at Topps Group.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation skills and experience in sourcing products. Highlight any successful projects where you’ve managed supplier relationships or driven cost savings, as these are crucial for a Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and consumer preferences in the tile industry. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current trends will show your passion for the role and your commitment to contributing to Topps Group's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Coverings in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description for the Buyer position carefully. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in buying or procurement, especially within the retail or tile industry. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a personalised cover letter that explains why you are interested in working for Topps Group and how your skills align with their growth plans. Show enthusiasm for the brand and its products.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Topps Tiles
✨Know Your Products
Familiarise yourself with the various tile brands and products offered by Topps Group. Understanding the features, benefits, and target markets of each brand will demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Buyer, negotiation is key. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated deals or managed supplier relationships. This will highlight your ability to secure the best prices and terms for the company.
✨Understand Market Trends
Research current trends in the tile and coverings market. Being able to discuss how these trends could impact Topps Group's strategy will show that you are proactive and have a forward-thinking mindset.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers about the company's growth plans and how the Buyer role fits into those plans. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
