As one of the Best Big Companies to Work For, we have a rich history of loving our customers and looking after our teams.
We understand that success is achieved through our people, and we are searching for a committed and passionate Head of Category to join our growing business on a permanent basis.
Purpose of the role:
To lead cross-functional teams and build long term supplier relationships particularly within Branded FMCG to deliver budgeted sales / margin / commercial income through value and innovation focussed category strategies; often in areas that require increased complexity and/ or experience.
What I will do in my job:
DRIVE PROFITABLE SALES GROWTH
- Responsible for c.50% of Ambient Grocery Iceland Sales
- Deliver strategic category plans through Range Review process
- Wider strategic influence and contribution to Trading Directors plan that benefits the overall business
- Negotiate lower costs through full use of 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 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 AND GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
- 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
- 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
- Ensure a minimum of 1 competitor shop per fortnight to deliver increased market awareness and shop floor understanding
- Ensure full knowledge of market pricing and deliver competitivity in line with Trading Director’s plan
- Coordinate and deliver monthly pricing meeting for the Trading Director and wider team
FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY COMES FIRST
- 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
KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT TO 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 & Deranger meetings for the Trading Director cross-functionally
- Adherence to all policies to ensure the smooth running of the department
- Full responsibility for accuracy of administration meeting agreed administration error targets
- Coordinate tasks (unprompted)
LOOKING AFTER GREAT PEOPLE & SUPPLIERS
- Building strong partnerships and relationships 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. Merchandising, Pricing, Channel Plans)
- 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)
- Line management responsibility for departmental graduates (where evident)
- Line management responsibilities for sub-teams that are crucial to the role (e.g. Iceland Manufacturing)
- Manages the delivery of projects that are exceptional to standard Trading duties (including trials)
- Organise and structure the weekly Team meeting for the Trading director (incl. agenda, content and minutes)
- Cover for the Trading Director when absent
Specialised skills
- 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 (TM’s)
- >6 years Buying experience
Alongside this we can offer you:
🏆 Best Place to Work 2025
👥 Supportive and collaborative team
🩺 Healthcare and cash back plans
💰 15% discount in our stores and 30% discount in our group restaurants
🛍️ Partner discounts
🍴 Subsidised on site restaurant and Costa (Head Office)
🫶🏽 Mental, physical and financial wellbeing support