Junior Category Manager

Citrus Recruit are excited to be recruiting for a Junior Buyer for a Solihull based company that are leaders in buying, events and trade shows. You will be supporting the team with driving sales and product strategy within the Furniture and Home furnishing division.
 
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the team in a time of growth. Working closely with the Category Managers and Directors, you'll be tasked with managing the supplier base, sourcing new products, and presenting innovative ideas at strategy meetings. Regularly attending trade shows and staying abreast of industry trends, you'll ensure product offering remains competitive and on-trend.
 
This is a great opportunity to work as part of a close-knit team in a really varied role, if you have experience in a Junior Buyer role, buying administrator role or something similar, this could be a really good step for you.
 
The role is a hybrid role, where you will be working collaboratively with the team on site or visiting suppliers, Monday – Wednesday and working from home Thursday – Friday.
 
Responsibilities & day to day duties
As a Junior Buyer you will be responsible for:

• Work closely with the Selector and take ownership of selected product areas.
• Contribute to the overall Furniture & Home Divisional strategy by participating in product, brand and sales reviews with Director. Propose plans to drive sales and revenue.
• Manage the supplier base, identify new brands and suppliers, managing the onboarding process.
• Develop strong business relationships with suppliers conducting regular reviews to understand target customer, review turnover, discuss rebate targets.
• Source and develop products and exclusives in line with the critical path, to present at shows and or strategy meetings that meet member needs. Review margins to ensure they meet member expectations.
• Contribute to the creation of the Product Directories / Show Guides to present merchandise to Members and where applicable non-Members, working with Suppliers, Marketing and Events teams.
• Attend weekly team meetings to discuss trading performance, store and supplier visits, product range updates, industry news, HUB and newsletter contributions and business updates.
• Maintain awareness of trends with regular competitor shopping and visiting relevant trade shows.
• Identify and evaluate improved efficiencies, innovation and cost savings where appropriate.
• Ensure overall show revenue achieves company budget plans, identify any sponsorship opportunity with key accounts to drive overall nett show revenue.

Skills & experience required.

• Experience in a Junior Buyer/ Junior Category, Buying Administrator or similar role – ideally at least 2 years.
• Experience within the furniture category would be advantageous but not essential
• Strong commercial awareness of the category and the overall market with an exceptional commercial eye for product
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels.
• Exceptional negotiator and has strong influencing skills.

Benefits

• Salary of up to £34,000
• Hybrid working 3 days in the office (Usually Monday – Wednesday with the team)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holiday (Christmas closure)
• Can purchase 5 days holiday.
• Birthday leave
• Pension
• Employee assistance program
• Additional benefits through a salary sacrifice scheme.
• Car parking

Citrus Recruit acts as an employment business when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity. Our commitment to inclusion means that we seek out the best candidates for every role, regardless of their gender, age, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
 
While we make every effort to reach out to all candidates. If you don't receive a response within 7 days of applying, please understand that your application has not progressed on this occasion. Please review our website for further and upcoming opportunities.