We are currently recruiting for an experienced “Head of Category (Chilled)“ to join our Buying Department
Overall Purpose:
Lead cross-functional teams and build long term supplier relationships to deliver the high plan through value and innovation focussed category strategies; often in areas that require increased complexity and/ or experience. Responsibilities for the wider Trading team to support the Trading Director.
Key Responsibilities:
Drive Profitable Sales Growth
- Responsible for the largest (>~£200m) and/ or most complex (e.g. OL Commodities, Slimming World) categories within the business
- Deliver strategic category plans through the templated Range Review process (incl. minutes)
- Wider strategic influence and contribution to Trading Directors plan that benefits the overall business
- Negotiate lower costs through full use of OL costing sheets, full use of the grey team, tear downs and GAP led supplier negotiations (full responsibility end to end)
- Lead negotiations on behalf of the wider team with key suppliers/ brands that are cross category or require additional experience to manage
- Utilisation of ‘Plan B’ suppliers to create necessary tension (via tender) and improve Trading manager knowledge
- Delivery of accurate financial forecast on time to the Trading Director (must not be delegated)
- Weekly reporting of accurate sales and profitability information to the Trading Director
- Deliver the High Plan commercial budget covering sales and e2e profitability.
Innovation
- Wholesale management of the NPD process and progress for the Trading Director
- Coordination of seasonal events across the wider team including price, promotion and differentiation in-line with Trading Director’s vision
- Full responsibility for organising and delivery Range Reviews, including strategic category proposals (TD Head of Development and MD present at a minimum)
- Identification of key points of difference and innovation that enable a market leading product range, complimented with exclusivity agreements surrounding the supply base and/ or concepts
- Delivery of all agreed actions through range review process (signed off in line with NPD Gate Process)
- Full responsibility for transposing range plans and actions into merchandising planograms (via specified in-direct merchandising report). This includes all stores sizes and fixturisation that meet the ruleset laid out by the Trading Director
- Full accountability for the prevention/ resolution for all supply and availability issues end to end with a clear plan for stores
Food Safety & Quality
- Full responsibility for product quality and food safety end to end. Managed and delivered via a designated Food Technologist
- Ensuring key KPI’s are met surrounding customer complaints and quality (e.g. CPMU’s, 1 Stars)
- Responsible for organising, leading and diarising Ice-Checks via specified Technologist with subsequent proactive management of issues
- Compulsory attendance to 1 Star Reviews and lead
- Set and agree industry benchmark for all own label products and operate quality enhancements around this
- Full responsibility for setting and agreeing detailed specifications via specified technologist that protect quality ongoing
Reduce Costs
- Full responsibility for de-ranger and discontinued budget requiring weekly meetings to keep this to an absolute minimum
- Full responsibility for wastage budget and reduction and weekly management to optimise costs and margin
- Organisation and running of relevant Disc & DR meetings for the Trading Director cross-functionally
- Adherence to all policies to ensure the smooth running of the department (e.g. tidy desk policy)
- Full responsibility for accuracy of administration meeting agreed administration error targets (e.g. PMA’s)
- Coordinate tasks (unprompted)
Supplier Management
- Building strong partnerships and relationships in order to drive strategic category plans and differentiation; ensuring decision makers are the key point of contact e.g. Commercial Director or equivalent
- Honouring the GSCOP guidelines laid out by the government to protect Iceland’s reputation as a brand
- Ensure all supply agreements and JBP’s are sales driven with 12 month rolling plans (cost + ORD only)
- Management of several ancillary responsibilities for the wider team that often require increased experience and complexity (e.g. Iceland Manufacturing, Tear Downs, Merchandising)
- Clear delegation of all administrative activities (excluding Forecasting) to the Trading Administration Team via specified Trading Assistant (in-direct report)
- Clear communication and delegation to dedicated Merchandiser to execute category plans
- Compulsory mini team meetings to take place each week with key stakeholders. Led by the Trading Manager
- Responsibility for coaching and developing less experienced members of the team across a variety of trading activities (e.g. forecasting, negotiations, range reviews)
Specialised Skills & Knowledge
- Highly analytical and numerate
- Excellent communication skills
- Expert negotiation skills (supported by GAP training)
- Resilience and ability to work at pace
- Food knowledge, passion and expertise
- Leadership cross-functionally and amongst peers
- Extensive buying experience
Make a difference to your career, we expect a lot but you’ll get a lot back in return. We will help you grow and develop your career and give you the freedom to show that you really care.
Alongside this we can offer you:
- 15% discount in Iceland stores
- 30% discount at Club Individual Restaurants
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Pension (NEST)
- Free onsite parking
- Onsite electric car charging ports
- Subsidised staff restaurant and Costa Coffee
- Christmas vouchers
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Christmas Savings scheme
- Discounted dry cleaning
- Long service awards