Description
We are currently recruiting for a “Head of Category (Chilled)” to join our Buying department
Overall Purpose:
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. Responsibilities for the wider Trading team to support the Trading Director.
Key Responsibilities:
DRIVE PROFITABLE SALES GROWTH
1. Responsible for c.50% of Ambient Grocery Iceland Sales
2. Deliver strategic category plans through Range Review process
3. Wider strategic influence and contribution to Trading Directors plan that benefits the overall business
4. 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)
5. Lead negotiations on behalf of the wider team with key suppliers/ brands that are cross category or require additional experience to manage
6. Utilisation of ‘Plan B’ suppliers to create necessary tension and improve Trading manager knowledge
7. Delivery of accurate financial forecast on time to the Trading Director (must not be delegated)
8. Weekly reporting of accurate sales and profitability information to the Trading Director
9. Deliver the High Plan commercial budget covering sales and e2e profitability.
INNOVATION AND GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
10. Wholesale management of the NPD process and progress for the Trading Director
11. Coordination of seasonal events across the wider team including price, promotion and differentiation in-line with Trading Director’s vision
12. Full responsibility for organising and delivery Range Reviews, including strategic category proposals (TD Head of Development and MD present at a minimum)
13. 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
14. Delivery of all agreed actions through range review process
15. 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
16. Full accountability for the prevention/ resolution for all supply and availability issues end to end with a clear plan for stores
17. Ensure a minimum of 1 competitor shop per fortnight to deliver increased market awareness and shop floor understanding
18. Ensure full knowledge of market pricing and deliver competitivity in line with Trading Director’s plan
19. Coordinate and deliver monthly pricing meeting for the Trading Director and wider team
FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY COMES FIRST
20. Full responsibility for product quality and food safety end to end. Managed and delivered via a designated Food Technologist
21. Ensuring key KPI’s are met surrounding customer complaints and quality (e.g. CPMU’s, 1 Stars)
22. Responsible for organising, leading and diarising Ice-Checks via specified Technologist with subsequent proactive management of issues
23. Compulsory attendance to 1 Star Reviews and lead
24. Set and agree industry benchmark for all own label products and operate quality enhancements around this
25. Full responsibility for setting and agreeing detailed specifications via specified technologist that protect quality ongoing
KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT TO REDUCE COSTS
26. Full responsibility for de-ranger and discontinued budget requiring weekly meetings to keep this to an absolute minimum
27. Full responsibility for wastage budget and reduction and weekly management to optimise costs and margin
28. Organisation and running of relevant Disc & Deranger meetings for the Trading Director cross-functionally
29. Adherence to all policies to ensure the smooth running of the department
30. Full responsibility for accuracy of administration meeting agreed administration error targets
31. Coordinate tasks (unprompted)
LOOKING AFTER GREAT PEOPLE & SUPPLIERS
32. 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
33. Honouring the GSCOP guidelines laid out by the government to protect Iceland’s reputation as a brand
34. Ensure all supply agreements and JBP’s are sales driven with 12 month rolling plans (cost + ORD only)
35. Management of several ancillary responsibilities for the wider team that often require increased experience and complexity (e.g. Merchandising, Pricing, Channel Plans)
36. Clear delegation of all administrative activities (excluding Forecasting) to the Trading Administration Team via specified Trading Assistant (in-direct report)
37. Clear communication and delegation to dedicated Merchandiser to execute category plans
38. Compulsory mini team meetings to take place each week with key stakeholders. Led by the Trading Manager
39. Responsibility for coaching and developing less experienced members of the team across a variety of trading activities (e.g. forecasting, negotiations, range reviews)
40. Line management responsibility for departmental graduates (where evident)
41. Line management responsibilities for sub-teams that are crucial to the role (e.g. Iceland Manufacturing)
42. Manages the delivery of projects that are exceptional to standard Trading duties (including trials)
43. Organise and structure the weekly Team meeting for the Trading director (incl. agenda, content and minutes)
44. Cover for the Trading Director when absent
Specialised Skills & Knowledge
45. Challenges financial decisions taking into account risks, losses and market conditions to drive performance.
46. Influences and inspires to engage people to deliver excellence and positive behaviour across the function.
47. Drives business performance by networking outside Iceland to benchmark against the market place.
48. Empowering others whilst taking personal accountability for managing performance and business decisions.
49. Leads change, inspiring confidence and buy in at all levels with the ability to influence key stakeholders.
50. Turns industry strategic and cultural best practice into great Iceland practices.
51. Highly analytical and numerate
52. Excellent communication skills
53. Expert negotiation skills (supported by GAP training)
54. Resilience and ability to work at pace
55. Food knowledge, passion and expertise
56. Leadership cross-functionally and amongst peers (TM’s)
57. >6 years Buying experience
Alongside this we can offer you:
58. 15% discount in Iceland stores
59. 30% discount at Club Individual Restaurants
60. 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
61. Pension (NEST)
62. Free onsite parking
63. Onsite electric car charging ports
64. Subsidised staff restaurant and Costa Coffee
65. Christmas vouchers
66. Refer a Friend Scheme
67. Christmas Savings scheme
68. Discounted dry cleaning
69. Long service awards
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