Vacancy Introduction

The purpose of the role is to be responsible for the end to end delivery of the foods for resale to all our retail business.

This includes supply, demand, turnover, margin and promotion.   

Role Responsibility

Turnover

• To be responsible for the annual turnover of the all categories across all the society’s retail businesses.
• Agree with the Head of Commercial, the annual turnover budget (by category) and to communicate this to the team
• Monitor sales and turnover on a regular basis and update team where appropriate
• Be able to report and present information in relation to sales and turnover as and when requested
• Seek to improve sales in line with the budget set, taking advantage of any relevant business opportunities

Promotional Activity

• Lead team of category managers to work alongside suppliers to create Society specific promotions in line with seasonal trends
• Ensure that the margin in relation to promotional activity is fair and in line with supplier and Society requirements
• Liaise with the retail and distribution teams to ensure that any promotions are managed and delivered in a timely manner

Product Development

• Work to source new suppliers, in line with operational requirements
• Work with suppliers to develop new products specific to the Society with agreed “branding” if required
• Work on specific areas of challenge, as agreed with the Head of Commercial, from time to time

Margin/Waste

• Responsible for the monitoring and management of waste and stock loss
• Work alongside the category & retail team to align promotional/seasonal activity with the Society’s current operational practices i.e. Seasonal ordering
• Work alongside suppliers to achieve the best margin for them and for the Society in relation to products, including “sale or return” options
• Ensure that Society policies and procedures are followed in relation to waste and stock loss

Product placement

• Lead the Society’s ranging team to ensure that the brand/products align with current operational requirements of the business
• Work alongside suppliers and lead the ranging team to ensure that products are ranged in the “best place” according to brand, branch and location
• Utilise all business opportunities within the Society in relation to product placement
• Ensure that category reviews consistently take place

Promotion/Marketing of the brand and products

• Work with suppliers and the retail team to promote products
• Take advantage of promotional/marketing opportunities in other areas of the Society
• Work to ensure that there is an effective line of communication with branch/locations i.e. with regards to product information
• Work to maintain relationships with all suppliers and manage accounts where appropriate

Health and Safety

• Ensure that the Society’s policies and procedures in relation to Health and Safety are upheld
• Work alongside suppliers to ensure that any risks are minimised i.e. supply chain issues
• Work with the Product Safety and Standards Manager with regards to the auditing of suppliers, if required

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience in a senior buying role
• Advanced Analytically Minded
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong Communication skills
• Creative thinker with the ability to think ‘outside the box’ to react to key trading decisions
• Previous experience within a food retail, desirable but not essential
• Presentation skills – ability to confidently present to senior members of the society alongside colleagues
• Deputise for the Head of Commercial in their absence

Package Description

Click here to find out more https://www.eastofengland.coop/careers/benefits-of-working-for-the-east-of-england-co-op.

About the Company

As a co-op we’re a different type of business. We’re owned by our members and we work for the benefit of people and our communities, not just for profit.  We’re driven by our democratic values which are based around being fair, doing the right thing and caring for all those we deal with.  This includes our customers, our suppliers, our environment and each other.  We expect colleagues who work with us to share these values. We’re still a business and we work in a very competitive area so it’s still important that we’re efficient and work to the highest professional standards.

Click here to find out more https://www.eastofengland.coop/.

East of England Co-op