Iceland Food Group

Head of Category

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Job Location

Shotwick, United Kingdom

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 Directors 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 KPIs are met surrounding customer complaints and quality (e.g. CPMUs, 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. PMAs)
  • 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 Icelands reputation as a brand
  • Ensure all supply agreements and JBPs 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 youll 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

ADZN1_UKTJ



Location: Shotwick, GB

Posted Date: 10/26/2024
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Contact Information

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Iceland Food Group

Posted

October 26, 2024
UID: 4903038976

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