Head of Category

Job description

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, complimented 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 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

 

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