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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