Category Manager Buyer

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Sourcing & Procurement:
• • Identify, source, and select suppliers for product categories based on quality, price, and supply chain reliability.
  • Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts with suppliers to maximize cost-effectiveness while maintaining product quality.
  • Place and manage orders, ensuring that stock levels align with demand forecasts and sales trends.
• Category Management:
• • Manage and oversee the assigned product category, ensuring a diverse and competitive range of products that meet customer needs.
  • Conduct regular analysis of sales data, customer trends, and market conditions to optimize product selection and assortment.
  • Monitor product performance and recommend adjustments to pricing, promotions, or product offerings.
• Supplier Relationships:
• • Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high service levels, timely deliveries, and resolution of any supply issues.
  • Work closely with suppliers to develop exclusive or private-label products, where applicable.
  • Regularly communicate with suppliers to stay informed about new products, pricing changes, and promotional opportunities.
• Inventory & Stock Control:
• • Monitor stock levels and sales trends to ensure optimal inventory turnover and prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
  • Collaborate with the store operations team and inventory control to ensure product availability while minimizing waste, especially for perishable goods.
• Pricing & Cost Management:
• • Develop and implement pricing strategies that align with market conditions and profitability goals.
  • Regularly review cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings through bulk purchasing, discounts, or alternative suppliers.
• Promotions & Marketing:
• • Work closely with the marketing team to plan and execute promotional strategies and sales campaigns that drive category growth.
  • Support the launch of new products, seasonal items, or limited time offers by collaborating with the marketing and store teams.
• Market Analysis & Trend Identification:
• • Continuously monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to ensure that the supermarket's product range remains competitive.
  • Conduct competitor analysis and gather customer feedback to inform purchasing decisions and adjust product offerings accordingly.
• Reporting & Budget Management:
• • Prepare regular reports on category performance, sales trends, and supplier performance for management review.
  • Help manage and adhere to the purchasing budget, ensuring that costs remain within target while meeting business objectives.
• Cross Department Collaboration:
• • Work closely with other departments such as marketing, store operations, logistics, and finance to ensure smooth product flow and alignment with business goals.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss product assortment, promotions, and sales performance.

Qualifications:

• Supply Chain Management, Retail, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in buying, procurement, or category management within a retail or supermarket environment.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of retail buying processes, inventory management, and pricing strategies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience using inventory management or procurement software.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Occasional walking or standing during store visits and supplier meetings.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Occasional evenings, weekends, or holiday work may be required
• Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits, trade shows, or market research.
• Office-based role with potential store visits to review product displays, stock levels, and in-store promotions.