Assistant Category Buyer, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game, UK and Europe in Rackheath

Location: Hybrid, Head Office, Rackheath, Norwich
Reporting to: Category Buyer, Carp
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: Circa £28,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Join the UK's Leading Specialist Angling Retailer

At Angling Direct, we're passionate about helping anglers enjoy more successful days on the bank. As the UK's leading omni-channel fishing tackle retailer, we are committed to delivering the best products, expert knowledge and outstanding customer experiences across the UK and Europe.

We are looking for an Assistant Category Buyer to support our Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game categories. This is an exciting opportunity for an organised, analytical and commercially minded individual looking to develop a career in buying and category management within the angling industry.

Working closely with the Category Buyer, you will help deliver a commercially competitive and profitable category through effective range management, supplier support, stock optimisation, promotional activity and commercial analysis.

What You'll Be Doing

As Assistant Category Buyer, you will:

• Support the delivery of category sales, margin and stock targets through effective pricing, ranging and inventory management.
• Maintain accurate product, supplier and pricing information across multiple systems.
• Analyse sales, stock, margin, competitor activity and market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Support new product launches, range reviews and category development projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and brand partners.
• Assist in preparing for pricing, promotional and supply negotiations.
• Raise and manage purchase orders, forward orders and seasonal buying activity.
• Work with Inventory and Supply Chain teams to maximise product availability and improve stock performance.
• Support promotional planning and execution alongside Marketing, Ecommerce and Retail teams.
• Produce reports and commercial insights using systems such as Power BI and ERP platforms.
• Assist with warranty claims, supplier queries, category projects and new store initiatives.
• Attend supplier meetings, trade shows and industry events where required.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Previous experience within retail, buying, merchandising, supply chain or a commercial support role.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• Experience using Power BI, Ometria, SAP, Oracle, Epicor or similar business systems.
• Knowledge of category management, merchandising or inventory planning.
• Retail, FMCG, sport, leisure or outdoor industry experience.
• Knowledge of, or a keen interest in, Coarse, Match, Predator, Sea and Game fishing.
• Passion for angling and understanding of the wider fishing market.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivery against category sales, margin and stock turn targets.
• Strong stock availability and inventory performance.
• Accurate product, supplier and pricing administration.
• Successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Insightful reporting that supports commercial decision-making.
• Strong and effective supplier relationships.

Why Join Angling Direct?

• Hybrid working with a modern Head Office based in Rackheath, Norwich.
• Opportunity to develop into a Category Buyer role.
• Staff discount across our extensive product range.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Work with some of the leading brands in the angling industry.
• Be part of a growing, ambitious and passionate business.

Whether you're already working in a buying, merchandising or commercial support role, or looking for the next step in your career, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills within a specialist retail environment.