Reporting to: Managing Director
Location: Sandyford
Role Overview
The Beers & Spirits Buyer will lead the design, development, planning, and execution of category strategies to support the company's commercial plan and brand objectives. This role is responsible for optimising the product range, pricing, promotions, and supplier relationships to drive category growth across both retail and online channels. Additionally, the candidate must be open to exploring and managing new product categories in response to market trends and business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Business Development
1. Range Strategy: Assess the commercial performance of the current range, identify new opportunities, and address underperforming SKUs.
2. Market & Competitor Analysis: Monitor trends, competitor offerings, and price positioning.
3. Pricing & Margin Management: Evaluate pricing structures and optimise margin performance.
4. Promotional Strategy: Develop and execute promotional plans to enhance sales and profitability.
5. New Product Sourcing: Identify and introduce new lines to enhance category relevance and competitiveness.
Supplier & Commercial Management
1. Negotiate cost prices, promotional funding, and terms with suppliers to enhance category profitability.
2. Leverage group buying power to maintain competitive cost structures.
3. Manage supplier relationships, ensuring strong partnerships that support the company's commercial goals.
4. Oversee seasonal and exclusive product negotiations, ensuring effective forecasting and order management.
Stock & Supply Chain Management
1. Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure inbound service levels meet targets.
2. Forecast and manage stock levels to minimize waste and optimise availability.
3. Ensure timely stock arrivals and adherence to company policies on promotional product delivery deadlines.
Operational & Administrative Excellence
1. Work with the team to manage the product and pricing database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with commercial guidelines.
2. Oversee product setup and maintenance in Business Central, including pricing, product descriptions, and rich content for online and in-store promotions.
3. Conduct regular store visits to gather customer and colleague feedback, communicate category developments and initiatives, and provide coaching and training for relevant business unit teams.
4. Support sales and marketing teams by providing product insights and content for commercial communications, POS materials, website content, and digital promotions.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
1. Analyse category sales and margin performance, identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
2. Monitor competitor activity and market trends to ensure category competitiveness.
3. Drive process improvements and best practices to enhance category management efficiency.
4. Be open to developing and managing new product lines in response to evolving market needs.
Key Measures of Success
1. Sales and margin performance by category.
2. Supplier terms and cost management effectiveness.
3. Competitor benchmarking and price positioning.
4. Impact of promotional campaigns on category growth.
5. Effectiveness of store visits and stakeholder engagement.
Essential Criteria
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
1. Minimum of 2 years' experience in a commercial buying role with responsibility for managing product categories or portfolios.
2. Strong analytical skills with experience in data interpretation and category performance analysis.
3. Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Supply Chain, Finance, and Marketing.
4. Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
5. Excellent numeracy skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (e.g., Business Central).
Desirable Criteria
1. Third-level qualification in Business, Finance, or a related subject.
2. Experience in category management within food retail/wholesale.
3. Previous people management experience.
What We Offer You
1. Employee Discounts on wine and fizz.
2. Bike to Work Scheme for eco-friendly travel.
3. HSF Health Plans covering dental, optical, and more.
4. Company Pension Scheme for long-term security.
5. Referral Scheme for bringing in new talent.
Training & Growth
1. Access to WSET Wine & Spirit Courses to expand your wine knowledge and earn recognized qualifications.
2. Internal Career Progression with opportunities for growth within the company.
At O'Brien's, we value talent and provide a supportive environment to help you advance your career. Ready to take on a dynamic role in a growing company? Join us!
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