Buying ManagerCD Group - Mallusk | £competitive | Full-time, PermanentComponent Distributors Group is the largest wholesale distributor of vehicle parts in Ireland.As part of its continued growth, the business is seeking to appoint a Buying Manager to take ownership of a portfolio of brands and drive commercial performance across pricing, supplier relationships, inventory and market positioning.This is an opportunity to join a well-established and dynamic organisation and play a key role in shaping future growth, influencing profitability and strengthening the competitiveness of key product lines.Reporting to the Procurement and Supply Chain Manager, the successful candidate will join a high-performing commercial team and be responsible for managing and optimising brand performance from a commercial, procurement and supply chain perspective.Your decisions will directly influence the commercial performance and profitability of the business. On a typical day, you could be analysing market trends, negotiating with suppliers, reviewing inventory performance and working closely with internal teams to mitigate risk, strengthen supply chain performance, improve margins and grow market share.The role includes line management responsibility for an Inventory Planner responsible for replenishment and requires an analytical, commercially minded and personable individual who can take ownership of operational challenges and translate them into practical decisions that will maximise business performance.Job Summary / Role and ResponsibilitiesManaging product assortment, pricing, promotions and inventory to optimise brand performance, including range rationalisation, SKU creation, exceptional orders and stock cleansingDeveloping and executing comprehensive brand management strategies to achieve business objectives and drive growth, sales and profitabilityMaintaining robust brand management tools and processes, ensuring daily, weekly and monthly routines are executed across the rangeMonitoring and evaluating brand performance, leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measuresManaging an Inventory Planner and ensuring, in conjunction with them, that availability, stock levels, routine purchasing and supply chain challenges are handled appropriatelyAnalysing market trends, sales performance, supplier information and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and gaps in the marketCollaborating with marketing teams to develop effective product messaging, positioning and communication strategiesEvaluating customer feedback and implementing changes to enhance the overall customer experience and drive customer loyaltyManaging and developing strong supplier relationships to improve brand offerings and negotiate favourable termsEssential CriteriaThird-level education or at least three years experience in a similar roleAnalytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisionsHigh commercial awareness and strong emotional intelligenceUnderstanding of pricing strategies, margin analysis and profitability optimisationProven experience of working in a fast-moving environmentAdvanced spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) and data manipulation skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, maintaining ERP data and using software packages such as Phocas or QlikView for data analysis and reportingExcellent communication and negotiation skillsAbility to plan workload and work on your own initiativeStrong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and qualityDesirable CriteriaKnowledge or experience of inventory management and demand forecasting techniquesIndustry experience is advantageous but not essentialWhats on OfferCompetitive starting salary, negotiable depending on experience25 days holiday plus bank holidaysMonday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.30 pm (fully site-based)Training and development opportunitiesHow to ApplyInterested candidates who meet the criteria above and have full right to work in the UK should upload a copy of their CV in response to this advert. Closing date for applications is 12.00 on 26 June 2026.Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact Kelly Jennings for a confidential discussion.Please note that our client is unable to provide sponsorship at this time. Applicants must have full right to work in the UK.Agency NoticeAs the exclusive specialist search provider retained to deliver this assignment, Kelly Jennings & Associates is solely managing all applications for this position. Any unsolicited introductions to from candidates, agencies or search firms will be redirected to Kelly Jennings & Associates for screening and assessment. Neither Kelly Jennings & Associates nor CD Group will be liable for fees connected to unsolicited speculative introductions.Skills:Commercial acumen Stakeholder Management Product Management People Management Negotiation Data AnalysisBenefits:Parking Paid HolidaysWHJS1_NI