Category Buyer

Category Buyer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Victorian Plumbing

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead product categories and curate exciting ranges that thrill our customers.
  • Company: Join Victorian Plumbing, a dynamic team selling lifestyle, not just bathrooms.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with onsite Costa Coffee, wellness centre, and bistro.
  • Other info: Fast growth opportunities await in our Leyland HQ.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced retail environment where your ideas matter.
  • Qualifications: Experience in buying, negotiation skills, and a passion for home improvement.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Are you a Category Buyer with a flush of ambition and a polished eye for design? We’re looking for a commercial power (shower) to join our team at Victorian Plumbing. If you’re ready to take the plunge into a fast‑paced retail environment where you can truly make a splash, read on!

The Role: As our Category Buyer, you won’t just be "going with the flow." You’ll be the lead of your own product categories, responsible for curating ranges that make our customers' hearts (and taps) race. From Bathroom Furniture to Brassware, you’ll manage the end‑to‑end lifecycle, ensuring our portfolio is more than just a drop in the ocean—it needs to be market‑leading. Reporting to: Head of Purchasing.

  • Negotiation Skills: You’re a pro at securing favourable terms with international and UK‑based suppliers.
  • Agility: You can work at pace. In our world, things move fast—no time for a slow‑close lid!

The Nice‑to‑Haves (Desirable):

  • Industry Knowledge: Experience in DIY, home improvement, or interior design.
  • Category Specialism: If you know your way around a mixer tap or a vanity unit, you’re already ahead.
  • Global Sourcing: Experience sourcing from the Far East and a solid grasp of international logistics.

Why Join Us? At Victorian Plumbing, we’re not just selling bathrooms; we’re selling a lifestyle. We offer a dynamic, high‑growth environment where your ideas won’t just sit on the shelf—they’ll be implemented. This role is based in our Leyland HQ (With onsite Costa Coffee, Wellness Centre and our Colleague Bistro).

Category Buyer employer: Victorian Plumbing

MFI, part of the Victorian Plumbing family, is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture at our Leyland HQ. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to make a tangible impact in the fast-paced e-commerce sector while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives commercial success but also creates beautiful spaces for our customers.

Victorian Plumbing

Contact Details:

Victorian Plumbing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Buyer

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Victorian Plumbing's products, values, and culture. This way, when you chat with us, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what we do.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you the inside scoop on opportunities and help you stand out from the crowd.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and showcasing your negotiation skills. We want to see how you handle pressure and make decisions—so bring your A-game!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Victorian Plumbing.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer

Negotiation Skills
Category Management
Product Lifecycle Management
Market Analysis
Supplier Relationship Management
Agility
Industry Knowledge in DIY and Home Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re not just a Category Buyer, but someone who genuinely loves the world of design and retail. Share your experiences and what excites you about this opportunity!

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Category Buyer position. Highlight relevant experience in DIY, home improvement, or interior design. We’re looking for those standout moments that show you can manage product categories like a pro!

Nail the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to make a splash! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at Victorian Plumbing. Be sure to mention your negotiation skills and any experience with global sourcing—it’ll help us see how you can drive profitable decisions.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Plumbing

Know Your Categories

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific product categories you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with current trends in bathroom furniture and brassware. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you’re ready to curate a market-leading portfolio.

Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured favourable terms with suppliers. Be ready to discuss your approach and how it led to successful outcomes. This will highlight your ability to drive profitable decisions, which is crucial for the role.

Embrace Agility

Victorian Plumbing operates in a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've thrived under pressure. Share experiences where you had to adapt quickly to changes or challenges, showcasing your agility and readiness to keep up with the flow.

Demonstrate Industry Knowledge

If you have experience in DIY, home improvement, or interior design, make sure to bring it up! Discussing your familiarity with products like mixer taps or vanity units can set you apart. It shows you’re not just a buyer; you’re someone who understands the lifestyle aspect of the products.