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 Directors 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 Directors 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 KPIs are met surrounding customer complaints and quality (e.g. CPMUs, 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 Icelands reputation as a brand
Ensure all supply agreements and JBPs 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 (TMs)
>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
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