We are currently recruiting for an experienced “Head of Category (Chilled)” to join our Buying Department.
Overall 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 Growth
* Responsible for the largest (>~£200m) and/or most complex (e.g. OL Commodities, Slimming World) categories within the business.
* Deliver strategic category plans through the templated Range Review process (incl. minutes).
* Wider strategic influence and contribution to Trading Directors plan that benefits the overall business.
* Negotiate 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 manage.
* Utilisation of ‘Plan B’ suppliers to create necessary tension (via tender) 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
* 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 Director’s 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, complemented with exclusivity agreements surrounding the supply base and/or concepts.
* Delivery 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 store 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.
Food Safety & Quality
* Full responsibility for product quality and food safety end to end, managed and delivered via a designated Food Technologist.
* Ensuring 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 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.
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 & DR meetings for the Trading Director cross-functionally.
* Adherence 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 Management
* 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.
* Honouring the GSCOP guidelines laid out by the government to protect Iceland’s reputation as a brand.
* Ensure 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 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).
Specialised Skills & Knowledge
* 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.
* Extensive buying experience.
Make 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 stores.
* 30% discount at Club Individual Restaurants.
* 33 days holiday (including bank holidays).
* Pension (NEST).
* Free onsite parking.
* Onsite electric car charging ports.
* Subsidised staff restaurant and Costa Coffee.
* Christmas vouchers.
* Refer a Friend Scheme.
* Christmas Savings scheme.
* Discounted dry cleaning.
* Long service awards.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
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