Buyer

Job Purpose  

The Buyer is responsible for the consistent delivery of a market leading product offer within the Woodie’s Home department. The buyer will drive product innovation within their area of responsibility, as well as building a clear and concise range of continuity product for our Woodie’s customer, supported by a robust pricing model and an impactful promotional trade plan. The Buyer will build, nurture and challenge their supplier network to ensure the best commercial outcomes for the Woodie’s business, and will work to clear commercial performance objectives to deliver on monthly, quarterly and annual targets. The candidate will have five (5+) years of experience in retail buying within a fast-paced team environment with strong attention to detail. This role reports directly to the Woodie’s head of buying (home). 

Key Responsibilities: 

Product Performance  

• Discover & purchase new and inspiring products ranges for Woodie’s Home within the departments strategic vision, always driving Woodie’s market share  

• Ongoing review of product performance within the existing range, exiting non-performers in planned process, and leveraging strong sellers to create further opportunity  

• Support achievement of sales growth to deliver budget revenue as well as gross margin consistent with the strategic business plan 

• Working with merchandise planning team to always ensure targeted availability, with focus on top performing lines, as well as capturing seasonal movement 

• Quality management – ensure all product sourcing is in line with Woodie’s quality expectations, as well as sourced in sustainable and ethical way  

• Attend events, fairs and exhibitions to remain up-to-date with the market trends and changing customer needs  

• Presentation to propose ideas for new product ranges to key stakeholders in the business 

• Create, communicate & manage to strict timelines

Supplier Management 

• Evaluate supplier options according to price, service and quality and determine the best choices 

• Negotiate terms of agreements to achieve the best commercial trading arrangements for Woodie’s  

• Manage the supplier network to forge and maintain trust relationships that ensure best in class product quality and service levels, while promoting fair dealing 

• Identifying new and exciting supplier and manufacturer partners for Woodie’s, while ensuring clear alignment on our ethical supply chain policies 

• With Supply Chain colleagues ensure the suppliers are meeting the timely delivery of products and compliance with the contracts of purchase 

• Cultivate vendor relationships while measuring vendor performance 

Range Management 

• Work with head of buying (home) to deliver range plan that supports overall department strategy  

• Create and maintain range planning tool specific to areas of responsibility, and develop range planning tool within Home department that improves range planning process  

• Support critical path for all range updates, working within total category range calendar, while also considering all range updates across all categories  

• Working with Merchandise Planning teams to monitor stock levels and make plans for buying within budget 

• Support head of buying (home) to report range updates to all levels of Woodie’s management 

• Support the development of Woodie’s Product Life Cycle management 

Performance Analysis  

• Assist the head of buying (home) in preparation for the weekly trade meeting, present performance update when necessary – understand in detail what is working well, what can be improved, and maintain an 8-week forward outlook to establish & communicate main priorities  

• Produce weekly analysis on SKU performance and report to head of buying (home) regarding product performance 

• Support department head of buying (home) in annual budget process, as well as budget re-balancing process 

• Analysis of the market, the competitors, customer and financial performance to feed into the department’s strategy defined by the department Head 

Team Management  

• Direct management of assistant category manager and oversee management of department admins  

• Set clear expectations within the team, and monitor performance against objectives and deadlines of all team members  

• Create new and more efficient ways of working within the team  

• Clear understanding of the task of L1 and L2 team colleagues, and ensure tasks are delivered in most efficient ways of working  

• Encourage and coach colleagues, give feedback and support to make the best decisions 

Cross Collaboration 

• Collaborates with merchandise planning teams to achieve budget, inventory targets, sell through activity where needed, product life cycle management process included 

• Work closely with the marketing and digital teams to deliver great promo communication and execution  

• Work with retail operations to ensure category plans have come to life in stores, includes regular stores visits and dialogue with area managers and store management  

Relationship Management 

• Maintain a high standard of communication at all levels within the business, including all category managers outside of Home function 

• Build relationships – work well with others, engage with colleagues, management, the wider business teams, forming strong working relationships 

• Confidently use relevant information to persuade others and to gain agreement and commitment 

• Compliance and Risk Management: 

• Ensure all buying activities comply with company policies, legal requirements and the Grafton Group ESG agenda 

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement and category management 

Skills:  

• Proven ability to drive sales results through a strong level of business acumen 

• Demonstrable aptitude in effective negotiating 

• Outstanding communication abilities 

• Excellent organizational skills 

• Up to speed with purchasing best practices, including ESG application for Woodie’s buying teams 

• Familiarity with market research, data analysis and forecasting techniques 

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office; with focus on Excel capabilities 

Performance Metrics: 

• Achievement of sales and margin targets, and working within stock budget  

• Range availability and stock management with merchandising teams  

• Supplier performance and relationship quality 

Personal Attributes:  

• Results-oriented with a strong commercial acumen 

• Make effective decision making, taking decisive action and considered risks  

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines 

• High level of integrity and professionalism 

Our benefits include:

• Hybrid working (3 days on-site in Tallaght and 2 days remote-working each week)
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• Colleague Discount
• Gympass
• Company Pension
• Wellness Initiatives
• Paid Parental leave
• Sick-pay
• Discounted Healthcare
• Flexi-Wage - Choose your own pay cycle!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Woodie's. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.