Buyer - Stationery

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Sorry! This position is now closed

 

  • Develop and implement a core range across our stationery category, including licensed and seasonal items, based on sales and market trends. Ensure that design, packaging, and specifications are aligned, and that products are tested to the appropriate standards.
  • Source the right suppliers and build strong long-term relationships.
  • Manage the product development cycle by monitoring stock, sales, range space, quality, and price.
  • Set objectives and oversee the performance of Junior and Trainee buyers.
  • Implement in-store and online promotions and create visual merchandising guides.
  • Visit stores, trade shows, suppliers, and competitors to maintain competitive advantage and knowledge base.
  • Report to the category manager, supporting them in delivering the overall category plan.
  • Collaborate with product safety to ensure factory and product safety compliance and negotiate with suppliers, holding them accountable.
  • Work closely with finance on payment and invoicing queries.
  • Partner with Graphics to allocate resources for developing and creating new products, ranges, and packaging.
  • Collaborate with logistics and retail operations to efficiently plan and manage your category.
SalaryCompetitive
Hours37.50 hours
Contract TypePermanent
LocationAxis Business Park, Portal Way, Gillmoss, Liverpool
Closing Date2024-09-14

About the Role

Job Overview

 

  • Develop and implement a core range across our stationery category, including licensed and seasonal items, based on sales and market trends. Ensure that design, packaging, and specifications are aligned, and that products are tested to the appropriate standards.
  • Source the right suppliers and build strong long-term relationships.
  • Manage the product development cycle by monitoring stock, sales, range space, quality, and price.
  • Set objectives and oversee the performance of Junior and Trainee buyers.
  • Implement in-store and online promotions and create visual merchandising guides.
  • Visit stores, trade shows, suppliers, and competitors to maintain competitive advantage and knowledge base.
  • Report to the category manager, supporting them in delivering the overall category plan.
  • Collaborate with product safety to ensure factory and product safety compliance and negotiate with suppliers, holding them accountable.
  • Work closely with finance on payment and invoicing queries.
  • Partner with Graphics to allocate resources for developing and creating new products, ranges, and packaging.
  • Collaborate with logistics and retail operations to efficiently plan and manage your category.

Package Description

  • ​Competitive
  • Based in Liverpool Head Office, with the occasional requirement to visit stores, trade fairs and suppliers
  • 28 days paid holiday per annum, rising to 33 days upon 5 years’ service (inclusive of bank holidays)
  • Contributable Company pension scheme

Employee benefits:

  • MyHB employee benefits platform with access to:
    • Retail and leisure discounts plus hundreds more
    • Free Financial Advice
    • Bank your savings into an ISA
    • 24/7 confidential counselling and advice line
    • Low cost voluntary insured health plans
  • Onsite heavily subsidised Health and Fitness Centre
  • Onsite canteen
  • 10% store discount
  • Free car parking
  • Death in Service Benefit (subject to 12 months complete service)
  • Long Service recognition scheme

Minimum Criteria to Apply

 

  • Experienced in retail buying and merchandising in a stationery category.
  • Preferably have an advance vocational qualification in retail buying and/or general merchandising or relevant experience.
  • Experience of working in a fast-paced high-volume business.
  • Proficient in negotiation skills and commercial awareness.
  • Demonstrates a strong customer focus and adept at influencing and persuading.
  • Experienced in working with cross-functional teams, managing stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement; skilled in talent development and performance management.