Junior Buyer

Junior Buyer, West Midlands. salary to £27,000pa plus bonus and benefits package.

The Company:Fast growing value retailer with 500 outlets throughout the UK and Ireland, with strong emphasis on price pointing, requires a Junior Enertainments Buyer to join their buying team.

The role: To negotiate and manage the purchase and supply of all products within designated product category. The buyer is also responsible for externally representing the brand and culture. Responsibility for a product group with an individual purchasing spend of c£100m managed in line with the company control systems and within boundaries of defined authority.

The jobholder has overall responsibility for sourcing and managing products and suppliers to maximise profit and exceed customer requirements. Supported by Merchandisers and Allocators.

The priorities for a Junior Buyer and the principle criteria by which they are measured are: -
Profit- Supplier Relationships- Compliance- People

Responsibilities:

*Account for the performance of the product category to the Trading Director, spotting opportunities or threats, resolving issues or making recommendations for action, where appropriate.

*Reduce unit costs in structured and planned way in line with organic growth.

*Predict, identify and react to market trends by attending trade fairs and shows, understanding high street trends. Forecast future buying needs and proactively source new product.

*Liaise with Merchandisers on the sourcing of product that meets promotional and seasonal activity.

*Visit factories to develop ranges, negotiate purchases, explore new markets in developing countries / economies.

*Visit suppliers (Worldwide) to review product, price and supplier performance.

*Maintain existing contacts with suppliers ensuring an awareness of market conditions at all times.

*Negotiate payment terms that favourably influence the cash flow of the business.

*Proactively manage supplier relationships to identify areas where greater savings or business advantage could be made.

*Work in conjunction with Merchandiser to ensure the efficient flow of product to meet range plan.

*Working with the Merchandising Team in developing long term people plans to provide stability and continuity within the buying and merchandising department.

*Participate fully as a senior member of the senior management team by contributing to directorate strategy, and by ensuring that information and intelligence is shared with other functions.

*Ensure that new systems and initiatives are implemented successfully, and that the benefits are fully realised by everyone within the department.

*Be known and visible within the department, taking the lead in promoting ethical work practices, honesty, equality of opportunity and quality of working life.

*Co-ordinate own activities with those of other members of the departmental team and in synchrony with the needs of the wider business. Manage own time effectively by pro-active planning, organisation and self-management.

Junior Buyer, West Midlands. salary to £27,000pa plus bonus and benefits package.

This vacancy is being handled by Randstad Retail. Randstad Retail is the retail specialist division of Randstad, who act as an employment business and employment agency and are registered in England and Wales no 6438552 as Randstad Retail Ltd. Registered office address First Floor, Regent Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Beds, LU4 8SB.

In the event that you are contacted for a role, please note that as part of the registration process you shall be required to provide Randstad with proof of identity as well as proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.