About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Category Buying Manager to join their team and lead the small domestic appliances category. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and results-driven professional to make a significant impact on our product range and overall business performance.

As the Category Buying Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving sales and profitability within the small domestic appliances category. Your expertise in buying, category management, and deep understanding of the small domestic appliances market will be crucial in delivering exceptional value to our customers and achieving our business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with overall business goals
  • Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats within the small domestic appliances sector
  • Define and maintain the optimal product mix, ensuring a balance between innovation, quality, and profitability
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align category strategies with marketing, sales, and operations initiatives
• Product Range Management:
  • Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch and beyond
  • Continuously review and optimize the product range to meet customer needs and market demands
  • Identify and introduce new products and brands to enhance the category offering
  • Manage product discontinuations and transitions to maintain a fresh and relevant assortment
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers
  • Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and promotional support to maximize profitability
  • Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans as needed
  • Identify and onboard new suppliers to diversify the supply chain and mitigate risks
• Financial Management:
  • Set and achieve sales, margin, and inventory targets for the category
  • Develop and manage category budgets, including forecasting and regular reporting
  • Analyze sales data and key performance indicators to identify trends and opportunities for growth
  • Implement pricing strategies to optimize profitability while maintaining competitiveness
• Team Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Lead and mentor a team of buyers and assistants within the category
  • Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity
  • Collaborate effectively with other departments, including marketing, merchandising, and operations
  • Represent the category in cross-functional meetings and strategic planning sessions
• Market Intelligence and Trend Analysis:
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and consumer preferences in small domestic appliances