Category Specialist

Company Description

Job Description

Brakes Scotland are currently recruiting for a Category Specialist to join the Marketing team on a 14 Month Fixed Term Contract.

You'll manage the growth of locally sourced products across several different lines, in particular Meat and Fresh Produce, as we expand at our depot network and customer supply, supporting the Sysco's recipe for growth. This role will own the merchandising activity to source new and existing lines to the Brakes Scotland portfolio by working closely with our existing suppliers as well as engaging and on-boarding new suppliers as we introduce new lines to our meat and fresh produce range. Working closely with Marketing and Supply Chain, you'll be taking the lead with securing supplier funding which will maximise growth opportunities through key selling periods of the year including annual events. This is a great role for an experienced Category Specialist who is data driven and can spot new opportunities across product ranges.

This role is working 39 hours per week, Monday-Friday, offering hybrid working, with 3 days on site (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) in the Newhouse. There is a requirement to travel once per week throughout Scotland to meet with suppliers and attend events, as well as occasionally travelling to the Support Centre in Ashford, Kent.

Key accountabilities & responsibilities are:

• Growing and nurturing a culture of proactiveness; strategic problem solving, prioritisation and accountability.
• Own the Merchandising activity to source new and existing lines to add to the Brakes Scotland portfolio of 300 lines across 90 suppliers.
• Lead the local marketing teams with ambitious commercial plans across multiple sectors. Setting clear team and individual KPIs.
• Preparation and presentation of the monthly activity for the Scottish Board Review including commercial, marketing, supply chain and new product development.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the territory and proactively identify opportunities within the region which can drive business growth.
• Visit customers to develop marketing and activation plans together that are relevant to their business (sector driven) and drive business growth, supporting customers to implement the plans and advising on menu development.
• Manage activity with local suppliers including supplier funding from SME's and local promotional activity.
• Support Customer Development Days both at Newhouse and at customer sites, generating additional sales and margin.
• Constantly drive agreed and commercially viable activities which increase the number of buying customers in the division this can include new product ranges to target new markets.
• Be the main Brakes Scotland representative and liaison at events including Parliamentary events, Scotland Food and Drink meet the buyer events, Scottish Wholesale Association events.

About You:

We are looking for an experienced Food Category/Procurement Specialist who ideally has expertise in Scottish Meat and/or Fresh Produce and enjoys developing supplier relationships and building external networks to maximize category performance. A confident and organised individual who has demonstrated experience of supplier/contract negotiation and delivery of significant cost savings, combined with commercial problem-solving abilities is crucial to this role. Knowledge and understanding of marketing and online tools is desirable to ensure successful annual events and supplier funding is secured. You'll have experience of people management and successfully motivating teams to achieve an optimum team performance. You will be proficient in the use of MS Office, in particular Excel and offer an analytic mindset. A full driving license is essential for this role due to the travel commitments.

What you'll receive:

• Company Car or Cash allowance.
• A competitive salary.
• Hybrid working contract.
• Generous holiday allowance of 25 days + bank holidays
• Pension scheme.
• Huge discounts on all sorts of lovely food and award-winning products through our staff shop
• Discounts on Cinema tickets, shopping and earn cashback on purchases through Sodexo.
• Recognition awards and Incentives.
• Career progression opportunities - being part of Sysco, the world's leading foodservice business, opens up a world of possibility.

Qualifications

Additional Information

At Brakes everyone is welcome. We don't want you to 'fit our culture' we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don't just look at your CV, we're more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.