Beers & Spirits Buyer
Reporting to the Managing Director
Sandyford-based role
Key Role Responsibilities
* Category Strategy and Business Development
* RANGE STRATEGY: Analyse commercial performance, identify opportunities, address underperforming products.
* MARKET AND COMPETITOR ANALYSIS: Monitor trends, competitor offerings, price positioning.
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* New Product Sourcing: Identify and introduce new lines to enhance category relevance and competitiveness.
* SUPPLIER AND COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT
* Negotiate prices, promotional funding, terms with suppliers to enhance category profitability.
* Leverage group buying power to maintain competitive cost structures.
* Manage supplier relationships, ensuring strong partnerships that support the company's commercial goals.
* Oversee seasonal and exclusive product negotiations, ensuring effective forecasting and order management.
* STOCK AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
* Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure inbound service levels meet targets.
* Forecast and manage stock levels to minimise waste and optimise availability.
* Ensure timely stock arrivals and adherence to company policies on promotional product delivery deadlines.
* OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE
* Work with the team to manage the product and pricing database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with commercial guidelines.
* Oversee product setup and maintenance in Business Central, including pricing, product descriptions, and rich content for online and in-store promotions.
* Conduct regular store visits to gather customer and colleague feedback, communicate category developments and initiatives, provide coaching and training for relevant business unit teams.
* Support sales and marketing teams by providing product insights and content for commercial communications, POS materials, website content, and digital promotions.
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* Monitor competitor activity and market trends to ensure category competitiveness.
* Drive process improvements and best practices to enhance category management efficiency.
* Be open to developing and managing new product lines in response to evolving market needs.
KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS
* Sales and margin performance by category.
* Supplier terms and cost management effectiveness.
* Competitor benchmarking and price positioning.
* Impact of promotional campaigns on category growth.
* Effectiveness of store visits and stakeholder engagement.
EXPERIENCE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
* ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
* Minimum 2 years' experience in a commercial buying role with responsibility for managing product categories or portfolios.
* Strong analytical skills with experience in data interpretation and category performance analysis.
* Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Supply Chain, Finance, and Marketing.
* Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
* Excellent numeracy skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (e.g., Business Central).
* DESIRABLE CRITERIA
* Third-level qualification in Business, Finance, or a related subject.
* Experience in category management within food retail/wholesale.
* Previous people management experience.
WE OFFER YOU
* Employee discounts on wine and fizz.
* Bike-to-work scheme for eco-friendly travel.
* HSF Health Plans covering dental, optical, and more.
* Company Pension Scheme for long-term security.
* Referral Scheme for bringing in new talent.
TRAINING AND GROWTH
* Access to WSET Wine & Spirit Courses to expand your wine knowledge and earn recognised qualifications.
* Internal Career Progression with opportunities for growth within the company.
This dynamic role is perfect for someone who values career advancement and is passionate about the drinks industry. If you're looking for a challenging opportunity to develop your skills and progress your career, we'd love to hear from you.