Senior Category Buyer | Job in Hampshire

The organization is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Category Buyer to join our dedicated procurement team. In this role, you will be responsible for driving category strategy, optimizing supplier relationships, and leading the negotiation of favorable contracts across multiple product categories.

*Responsibilities: *

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans, leveraging market intelligence to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved quality.
• Build strong partnerships with key suppliers, managing negotiations to secure the best possible terms and conditions.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that procurement activities support overall business objectives.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge in category management.
• Lead cross-functional projects, working closely with various departments to drive process improvement and efficiency within the procurement function.
• Contribute to the development of strategic sourcing policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with company standards and best practices.
• Provide regular market updates and insights to senior leadership, helping them make informed decisions about category strategy and investment.

*Qualifications: *

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in a Category Buyer role within a complex, multinational organization.
• Proven track record of developing and executing effective sourcing strategies that drive cost savings and improve quality.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable contract terms from key suppliers.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret market trends and competitor activities effectively.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with a proven ability to build strong relationships across diverse teams.
• Proficiency in relevant procurement software and tools.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and best practices in category management. If you are a strategic thinker, comfortable operating at both tactical and strategic levels, and excited about the opportunity to make a significant impact on our organization's bottom line we encourage you to apply for this Senior Category Buyer role today.

Skills Required

In our pursuit of delivering outstanding value to our customers and ensuring a competitive edge in the marketplace we seek an experienced and dynamic Senior Category Buyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and a passion for the retail industry to drive the success of our organization.

• *Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• : Proficient in end-to-end category management including product research, supplier negotiations, inventory control, and cost analysis.

• *Category Management

• : Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to make informed buying decisions that maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

• *Leadership & Teamwork

• : Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, driving collaboration, and influencing stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• *Data Analysis

• : Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, perform trend analysis, and make data-driven decisions to optimize product mix and pricing strategies.

• *Negotiation & Relationship Building

• : Exceptional negotiation skills to secure favorable terms from suppliers, and build strong, long-lasting relationships that ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products at competitive prices.

• *Project Management

• : Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively, and meeting tight deadlines to achieve business objectives.

• *Communication & Presentation

• : Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate strategic ideas, present findings, and influence key stakeholders across various levels of the organization.

• *Industry Knowledge

• : A deep understanding of the South East retail market, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements is essential for success in this role. By joining our team as a Senior Category Buyer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our business, develop your skills, and grow within a dynamic and supportive environment. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Candidate Profile

*Overview *

A seasoned and results-driven Senior Category Buyer with a proven track record of driving profitability, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. With expertise in category management, supplier relationship management, and strategic planning, I bring a unique blend of analytical acumen, business acumen, and leadership skills to your team.

*Key Qualifications: *

• Proven experience as a Senior Category Buyer or similar role within the retail/consumer goods industry.
• Strong understanding of category management principles and strategic planning methodologies.
• Excellent supplier relationship management skills with the ability to negotiate favorable terms.
• Proficient in using data analysis tools for market research, trend forecasting, and demand forecasting.
• Exceptional leadership abilities, capable of managing cross-functional teams and driving results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.

*Professional Experience: *

*Education: *

*Skills: *

• Category Management
• Strategic Planning
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Data Analysis
• Market Research & Trend Forecasting
• Demand Forecasting
• Leadership & Team Management
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills By joining our team as a Senior Category Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization. Your expertise and leadership will enable us to deliver exceptional value to our customers, optimize our supply chain, and drive profitability. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about how you can contribute to our continued success.

Training Programs

As a valued member of our team at the organization we understand the importance of continuous learning and development in your role as a Senior Category Buyer. In this section we will outline the comprehensive training programs designed to support your growth and success.

*1. Onboarding Program: *

Upon joining us, you'll embark on a structured onboarding journey that introduces you to our organization's culture, values, and procedures. This program is tailored to familiarize you with key teams, processes, and tools, ensuring a smooth transition into your new role.

*2. Category-Specific Training: *

To enhance your expertise in your specific categories we provide targeted training programs. These will cover various aspects such as market trends, product development, supplier relationships, and category management strategies. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions that drive success for our business.

*3. Professional Development Programs: *

We are committed to nurturing the professional growth of our employees. Towards this end we offer a range of development programs designed to help you acquire new skills and advance your career. These could include courses on data analysis, negotiation techniques, leadership, and strategic thinking.

*4. Mentorship Program: *

To support your personal and professional growth we offer a mentorship program where you will be paired with an experienced colleague who can guide you, share insights, and provide valuable advice based on their experience. This relationship is designed to foster learning, growth, and support in the context of our organization.

*5. Industry Events and Conferences: *

We encourage our team members to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and developments by sponsoring attendance at relevant events and conferences. These opportunities allow you to network with peers, learn from experts, and gain valuable insights that can be applied in your role as a Senior Category Buyer.

*6. Continuous Learning: *

We recognize that learning doesn't stop once formal training ends. To support your ongoing development we provide access to a variety of resources, including online courses, webinars, and articles related to buying, procurement, and category management.

*7. Feedback and Coaching: *

Regular feedback and coaching are integral parts of our approach to employee development. We believe that constructive feedback fosters growth and improvement, and we provide opportunities for regular discussions with your manager about your progress and areas for development. By offering these comprehensive training programs we aim to empower you as a Senior Category Buyer to excel in your role, drive success for our organization, and grow both personally and professionally within the company. We look forward to supporting your journey with us!

Job Role

In our dynamic and forward-thinking organisation we are seeking a seasoned professional for the role of Senior Category Buyer. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative and innovative team that values creativity, strategic thinking, and a customer-centric approach.

*Role Overview: *

As a Senior Category Buyer, you will be responsible for managing multiple product categories within our organisation. You will lead the category strategy development, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and drive the performance of these categories to achieve profitability targets.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Develop and implement category strategies that maximise sales volume, improve market share, and increase profit margins.
• Conduct thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats within assigned categories.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including merchandising, marketing, and supply chain, to optimise product ranges, pricing strategies, and promotional plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favourable terms and ensure continuous product innovation and availability.
• Analyse category data and performance metrics to make informed decisions, monitor market trends, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and development within the category management function.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects, providing category expertise and insights that help shape our overall business strategy.

*Qualifications: *

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or related field. An MBA or similar postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
• Proven experience as a Category Buyer or similar role within the retail or consumer goods sector (minimum 5 years).
• Extensive knowledge of category management principles and practices.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, draw insights, and make sound business decisions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a proven ability to build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking abilities with the ability to develop and implement effective category strategies. Join our organisation as a Senior Category Buyer and take your career to new heights. We offer competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Apply today and let's shape the future together!

About the Company

*About the Company *

We are a dynamic and forward-thinking organization based in the South East region, specializing in the retail industry. Our mission is to deliver exceptional value to our customers by providing high-quality products at competitive prices. We achieve this through strategic sourcing, effective supplier relationships, and innovative category management. As part of our committed team, you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of products across multiple categories, contributing to our growth and success in the market. Our organisation values collaboration, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach, providing an inspiring and supportive work environment for all employees. In the role of Senior Category Buyer, you will play a crucial part in driving our category strategy forward, ensuring we offer the right products to meet our customers' needs while maximizing profitability. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to join our team and make a significant impact on our business. If you are passionate about retail, have strong category management skills, and are eager to grow your career with a dynamic organization we would love to hear from you. Apply today to become part of our journey towards retail excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

As a valued member of our dynamic team we offer competitive and comprehensive compensation packages for all our employees. The Senior Category Buyer role is no exception with a salary that reflects both your expertise and the strategic importance of this position to our organization. The base salary for the Senior Category Buyer role is commensurate with industry standards and will be discussed during the interview process. It is designed to provide you with a comfortable living, enabling you to focus on your responsibilities without financial stress. In addition to your base salary we have a performance-based bonus structure in place. This bonus is tied to the successful achievement of strategic objectives, ensuring that your hard work and dedication are rewarded. Our benefits package is designed to support you and your family's wellbeing, both physically and financially. It includes:

*Health Insurance

• : Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.

• *Dental Insurance

• : Coverage for routine check-ups, fillings, and more extensive dental procedures.

• *Vision Insurance

• : Routine eye exams, prescription eyewear, and contacts.

• *Retirement Savings Plan

• : A 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• *Paid Time Off (PTO)

• : Generous paid time off allowance to recharge and spend quality time away from work.

• *Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• : Pre-tax accounts for eligible healthcare, dependent care, and transit expenses.

• *Life Insurance

• : Basic life insurance coverage with the option to purchase additional coverage.

• *Disability Insurance

• : Short-term and long-term disability insurance to provide financial security in case of illness or injury.

• *Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• : Access to professional counseling services for personal and family concerns, including mental health support.

• *Professional Development Opportunities

• : Regular opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to advance your skills and career growth. We believe that a happy, healthy workforce is a productive one. Our compensation and benefits package reflects this commitment, and we are excited to extend these offerings to you as part of our team.