Head of Category

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

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