Category Buyer

Role

To manage all of the day to day enquiries, queries and admin tasks for their category, providing other departments within the business with accurate information in a timely manner. Ensuring best costs are obtained for day to day enquiries. 

Providing support to the category managers/department with any project or reporting work that
arises, ensuring all timescales are met and work is done to the required standard.

Researching the market and supply base at sub-category level and keeping records of the information gathered. Keeping up to date with any relevant legislation or global developments.

Tasks

• Quickbase – Completing V3 enquiries, new product creation, price file maintenance, product ordering system.
• SAP – Maintain info records, maintain source lists, maintain supplier records.
• Account support – Be the first point of contact for the account support functions (NAM’s, ASE’s, CSE’s).
• Reports – Generate and maintain departmental and category specific reports eg. Category spend/margin, Raw Material tracking.
• Meetings – Attend supplier meetings, prepare pre-meeting reports with KPI trackers and take and file minutes.
• New suppliers – Research, assess and make initial contact with potential new suppliers, updating the supplier intelligence matrix.
• Samples – Organise and label supplier samples rotating new/obsolete to make sure storage is available at all times.
• Sub Category Management – Take ownership of a sub-category, producing a cost saving plan and undertaking tender activity.

Support

Market research – Gather market data to be included in the category plans.

Projects – Provide support with any category or departmental project work.

Tenders – Provide the necessary support with tenders to ensure they are delivered on time and in line with the agreed strategy.

Assist stock control – Provide first line support to stock control with any out of stock issues.

Cost savings and rebates – Help the category/department meet cost saving/rebate targets at any opportunity.

Skills Required:

• Microsoft Office skills - Excel, Outlook, Word, Powerpoint
• Telephone Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Good level of numeracy
• Prioritisation Abilities
•  Ability to self-manage

Experience

Two years’ minimum in a purchasing/buying role dealing directly with overseas suppliers.

This is a fast paced environment and attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to communicate with people internally and externally on all levels.

Strong negotiation is required and ideal candidates should be able to demonstrate cost savings in previous roles.

Experience of using SAP beneficial, but not essential, also a second language would be of benefit.