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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