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 PerformanceDiscover & purchase new and inspiring products ranges for Woodie's Home within the departments strategic vision, always driving Woodie's market shareOngoing review of product performance within the existing range, exiting non-performers in planned process, and leveraging strong sellers to create further opportunitySupport achievement of sales growth to deliver budget revenue as well as gross margin consistent with the strategic business planWorking with merchandise planning team to always ensure targeted availability, with focus on top performing lines, as well as capturing seasonal movementQuality management – ensure all product sourcing is in line with Woodie's quality expectations, as well as sourced in sustainable and ethical wayAttend events, fairs and exhibitions to remain up-to-date with the market trends and changing customer needsPresentation to propose ideas for new product ranges to key stakeholders in the businessCreate, communicate & manage to strict timelinesSupplier ManagementEvaluate supplier options according to price, service and quality and determine the best choicesNegotiate terms of agreements to achieve the best commercial trading arrangements for Woodie'sManage the supplier network to forge and maintain trust relationships that ensure best in class product quality and service levels, while promoting fair dealingIdentifying new and exciting supplier and manufacturer partners for Woodie's, while ensuring clear alignment on our ethical supply chain policiesWith Supply Chain colleagues ensure the suppliers are meeting the timely delivery of products and compliance with the contracts of purchaseCultivate vendor relationships while measuring vendor performanceRange ManagementWork with head of buying (home) to deliver range plan that supports overall department strategyCreate and maintain range planning tool specific to areas of responsibility, and develop range planning tool within Home department that improves range planning processSupport critical path for all range updates, working within total category range calendar, while also considering all range updates across all categoriesWorking with Merchandise Planning teams to monitor stock levels and make plans for buying within budgetSupport head of buying (home) to report range updates to all levels of Woodie's managementSupport the development of Woodie's Product Life Cycle managementPerformance AnalysisAssist 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 prioritiesProduce weekly analysis on SKU performance and report to head of buying (home) regarding product performanceSupport department head of buying (home) in annual budget process, as well as budget re-balancing processAnalysis of the market, the competitors, customer and financial performance to feed into the department's strategy defined by the department HeadTeam ManagementDirect management of assistant category manager and oversee management of department adminsSet clear expectations within the team, and monitor performance against objectives and deadlines of all team membersCreate new and more efficient ways of working within the teamClear understanding of the task of L1 and L2 team colleagues, and ensure tasks are delivered in most efficient ways of workingEncourage and coach colleagues, give feedback and support to make the best decisionsCross CollaborationCollaborates with merchandise planning teams to achieve budget, inventory targets, sell through activity where needed, product life cycle management process includedWork closely with the marketing and digital teams to deliver great promo communication and executionWork with retail operations to ensure category plans have come to life in stores, includes regular stores visits and dialogue with area managers and store managementRelationship ManagementMaintain a high standard of communication at all levels within the business, including all category managers outside of Home functionBuild relationships – work well with others, engage with colleagues, management, the wider business teams, forming strong working relationshipsConfidently use relevant information to persuade others and to gain agreement and commitmentCompliance and Risk Management:Ensure all buying activities comply with company policies, legal requirements and the Grafton Group ESG agendaIdentify and mitigate risks associated with procurement and category managementSkills:Proven ability to drive sales results through a strong level of business acumenDemonstrable aptitude in effective negotiatingOutstanding communication abilitiesExcellent organizational skillsUp to speed with purchasing best practices, including ESG application for Woodie's buying teamsFamiliarity with market research, data analysis and forecasting techniquesExcellent knowledge of MS Office; with focus on Excel capabilitiesPerformance Metrics:Achievement of sales and margin targets, and working within stock budgetRange availability and stock management with merchandising teamsSupplier performance and relationship qualityPersonal Attributes:Results-oriented with a strong commercial acumenMake effective decision making, taking decisive action and considered risksAbility to work under pressure and meet tight deadlinesHigh level of integrity and professionalism