We are currently recruiting for an experienced "Head of Category (Chilled)" to join our Buying DepartmentOverall Purpose:Lead cross-functional teams and build long term supplier relationships to deliver the high plan 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 GrowthResponsible for the largest (>~£200m) and/ or most complex (e.g.OL Commodities, Slimming World) categories within the businessDeliver strategic category plans through the templated Range Review process (incl.minutes)Wider strategic influence and contribution to Trading Directors plan that benefits the overall businessNegotiate lower costs through full use of OL 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 manageUtilisation of 'Plan B' suppliers to create necessary tension (via tender) and improve Trading manager knowledgeDelivery 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 DirectorDeliver the High Plan commercial budget covering sales and e2e profitability.InnovationWholesale management of the NPD process and progress for the Trading DirectorCoordination of seasonal events across the wider team including price, promotion and differentiation in-line with Trading Director's visionFull 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 conceptsDelivery of all agreed actions through range review process (signed off in line with NPD Gate 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 DirectorFull accountability for the prevention/ resolution for all supply and availability issues end to end with a clear plan for storesFood Safety & QualityFull responsibility for product quality and food safety end to end.Managed and delivered via a designated Food TechnologistEnsuring 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 issuesCompulsory attendance to 1 Star Reviews and leadSet and agree industry benchmark for all own label products and operate quality enhancements around thisFull responsibility for setting and agreeing detailed specifications via specified technologist that protect quality ongoingReduce CostsFull responsibility for de-ranger and discontinued budget requiring weekly meetings to keep this to an absolute minimumFull responsibility for wastage budget and reduction and weekly management to optimise costs and marginOrganisation and running of relevant Disc & DR meetings for the Trading Director cross-functionallyAdherence to all policies to ensure the smooth running of the department (e.g.tidy desk policy)Full responsibility for accuracy of administration meeting agreed administration error targets (e.g.PMA's)Coordinate tasks (unprompted)Supplier ManagementBuilding 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 equivalentHonouring the GSCOP guidelines laid out by the government to protect Iceland's reputation as a brandEnsure 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.Iceland Manufacturing, Tear Downs, Merchandising)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 plansCompulsory mini team meetings to take place each week with key stakeholders.Led by the Trading ManagerResponsibility for coaching and developing less experienced members of the team across a variety of trading activities (e.g.forecasting, negotiations, range reviews)Specialised Skills & KnowledgeHighly analytical and numerateExcellent communication skillsExpert negotiation skills (supported by GAP training)Resilience and ability to work at paceFood knowledge, passion and expertiseLeadership cross-functionally and amongst peersExtensive buying experienceMake a difference to your career, we expect a lot but you'll get a lot back in return.We will help you grow and develop your career and give you the freedom to show that you really care.Alongside this we can offer you:15% discount in Iceland stores30% discount at Club Individual Restaurants33 days holiday (including bank holidays)Pension (NEST)Free onsite parkingOnsite electric car charging portsSubsidised staff restaurant and Costa CoffeeChristmas vouchersRefer a Friend SchemeChristmas Savings schemeDiscounted dry cleaningLong service awards#J-18808-Ljbffr