Category Buyer

About the Position: The Category Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the store's product categories to ensure the availability of high-quality items at competitive prices. This role involves analyzing market trends, supplier relationships, inventory levels, and customer demand to make strategic purchasing decisions that support the overall retail business strategy. The Category Buyer plays a key role in ensuring the store's shelves are stocked with the right products at the right time, and at the right price. Key Responsibilities: • Product Sourcing & Procurement: o Identify, source, and select suppliers for product categories based on quality, price, and supply chain reliability. o Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts with suppliers to maximize cost-effectiveness while maintaining product quality. o Place and manage orders, ensuring that stock levels align with demand forecasts and sales trends. • Category Management: o Manage and oversee the assigned product category, ensuring a diverse and competitive range of products that meet customer needs. o Conduct regular analysis of sales data, customer trends, and market conditions to optimize product selection and assortment. o Monitor product performance and recommend adjustments to pricing, promotions, or product offerings. • Supplier Relationships: o Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high service levels, timely deliveries, and resolution of any supply issues. o Work closely with suppliers to develop exclusive or private-label products, where applicable. o Regularly communicate with suppliers to stay informed about new products, pricing changes, and promotional opportunities. • Inventory & Stock Control: o Monitor stock levels and sales trends to ensure optimal inventory turnover and prevent stockouts or overstock situations. o Collaborate with the store operations team and inventory control to ensure product availability while minimizing waste, especially for perishable goods. • Pricing & Cost Management: o Develop and implement pricing strategies that align with market conditions and profitability goals. o Regularly review cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings through bulk purchasing, discounts, or alternative suppliers. • Promotions & Marketing: o Work closely with the marketing team to plan and execute promotional strategies and sales campaigns that drive category growth. o Support the launch of new products, seasonal items, or limited-time offers by collaborating with the marketing and store teams. • Market Analysis & Trend Identification: o Continuously monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to ensure that the supermarket's product range remains competitive. o Conduct competitor analysis and gather customer feedback to inform purchasing decisions and adjust product offerings accordingly. • Reporting & Budget Management: o Prepare regular reports on category performance, sales trends, and supplier performance for management review. o Help manage and adhere to the purchasing budget, ensuring that costs remain within target while meeting business objectives. • Cross-Department Collaboration: o Work closely with other departments such as marketing, store operations, logistics, and finance to ensure smooth product flows and alignment with business goals. o Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss product assortment, promotions, and sales performance. Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Retail, or a related field. • 3-5 years of experience in buying, procurement, or category management within a retail or supermarket environment. • Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships. • In-depth knowledge of retail buying processes, inventory management, and pricing strategies. • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience using inventory management or procurement software. Physical Requirements: • Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time. • Occasional walking or standing during store visits and supplier meetings.