At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category managers and manage fresh product categories for optimal inventory.
- Company: Zapp is London's top premium convenience retail platform, founded in 2020.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team disrupting the retail market with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in food category buying, strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a mission to deliver high-quality products quickly and efficiently.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a category associate buyer to join our fresh team. You’ll collaborate closely with various internal departments including store operations, logistics and marketing & merchandising, as well as vendors to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products while maintaining optimal inventory levels to deliver availability while controlling waste and shrinkage.
Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand-picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
Here’s What You’ll Be Doing:
- Supporting the category managers in their day to day management of suppliers.
- Managing a small number of fresh categories, building and sustaining effective relationships with our supplier network.
- Develop and execute a clear assortment strategy to fit our on-demand delivery convenience offering.
- Work closely with Supply Chain and Marketing to ensure we’re sourcing relevant products for our customers and selecting the best suppliers to optimise for operational efficiency.
- Work closely with Supply Chain to ensure our suppliers are meeting Zapp’s quality and fulfilment targets.
- Support with market research, range gaps, new market trends and ideas.
About you:
- 2+ years experience working in food category buying, ideally within fresh food buying.
- Commercially minded.
- Hands-on mentality, willing to roll your sleeves up.
- Creative problem solver with an eye for detail.
- Able to work autonomously as well as part of a team.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Seniority level: Not Applicable
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Retail
Associate Category Buyer (Fresh) employer: Zapp
Contact Detail:
Zapp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Category Buyer (Fresh)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the fresh food market trends and key suppliers. Understanding the current landscape will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food category buying sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to Zapp.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in managing supplier relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with suppliers to optimise inventory and reduce waste.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your buying decisions. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've employed to analyse market trends and consumer preferences.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Category Buyer (Fresh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Associate Category Buyer (Fresh) position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in food category buying, especially within fresh food.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your 2+ years of experience in food category buying. Provide specific examples of how you've managed supplier relationships and contributed to inventory management, showcasing your hands-on mentality and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Demonstrate your strong analytical skills by including examples of market research or data analysis you've conducted in previous roles. This will show Zapp that you can support their efforts in sourcing relevant products and optimising operational efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to Zapp's mission and values. Mention your creative problem-solving abilities and your passion for the convenience retail market to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨Know Your Fresh Categories
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the fresh categories you'll be managing. Research current trends in fresh food buying and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge to Zapp's offerings.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed buying decisions or optimise inventory levels in your previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various departments, be ready to share examples of successful collaborations from your past experiences. Highlight how you’ve built effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've encountered in food category buying and how you creatively resolved them, especially in terms of waste control and supplier management.