Buyer, Sales

About the Company

The company is one of the UK's leading importers & wholesalers, supplying thousands of products across Toys, Housewares, Seasonal, DIY, Gardening, Pet, Health & Beauty and more. With over 50 years of experience, the business works with retailers across the UK and internationally, continually identifying new product opportunities and bringing exciting, commercially successful ranges to market. As the business continues to grow, we're looking for a commercially-minded Buyer to take

ownership of our Toys category.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially driven Buyer who understands the toy

market, keeps a close eye on consumer trends and enjoys finding the next big product before

everyone else. The successful candidate will own the Toys category from product sourcing through to launch, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to build commercially successful

product ranges. We're looking for someone who combines strong buying fundamentals with creativity, market awareness and excellent commercial judgement.

Category Ownership -

• Take full ownership of the Toys category.
• Develop and execute the category strategy.
• Continuously review product performance and identify opportunities for growth.
• Manage the product lifecycle from concept through to launch and review.

Product Sourcing -

• Source exciting new products from existing and new suppliers.
• Identify innovative products that align with customer demand.
• Attend UK and international trade shows where appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Trend & Market Analysis -

• Stay ahead of emerging consumer trends, particularly across Tik Tok & other social platforms.
• Monitor competitor ranges, pricing and promotions.
• Analyse market movements and identify gaps within the category.
• Recommend new product opportunities based on customer insight and market demand.

Commercial Buying -

• Negotiate pricing, margins and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Deliver commercially successful product ranges.
• Manage budgets and forecasting.
• Analyse sales performance and take action where required.

Customer & Retail Relationships -

• Understand the needs of key retail customers.
• Work collaboratively with the Sales team to support customer requirements.
• Build strong relationships with key retail partners where appropriate.
• Use customer insight to influence buying decisions.

Cross Functional Collaboration -

• Work closely with Product Development, Marketing, Merchandising and Sales.
• Ensure new product launches are delivered successfully.
• Support promotional planning and seasonal product development.

We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, commercially aware and passionate about identifying products that customers will love. You enjoy spotting trends before they become mainstream and are confident in making commercial buying decisions. You'll be highly organised, analytical and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Previous experience within a Buying or Category Management role.
• Experience sourcing and developing consumer products.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Ability to analyse sales data and market trends.
• Excellent organisation and project management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building ability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and buying systems.

Experience with in one or more of the following sectors would be advantageous:

• Toys.
• Value Retail.
• FMCG.
• Seasonal Products.
• Giftware.
• Impulse Products.
• Children's Products.
• Licensed Products.

Existing relationships with retailers such as Smyths Toys, The Entertainer, B&M, Home

Bargains, Poundland or similar would be highly beneficial.

• Commercially minded.
• Entrepreneurial approach.
• Trend aware.
• Highly organised.
• Curious and proactive.
• Strong negotiator.
• Relationship builder.
• Resilient and adaptable.
• Confident decision maker.
• Positive, collaborative team player

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Delivery of commercially successful product launches.
• Sales and margin performance across the Toys category.
• Identification of new product opportunities.
• Strong supplier relationships.
• Effective stock management.
• Positive feedback from customers and internal stakeholders.
• Successful execution of category plans.

We'd be particularly interested in candidates from:

• Toy manufacturers or distributors.
• Value retailers.
• FMCG businesses.
• Giftware businesses.
• Consumer products companies.

This role requires a monthly trip into the office is Essex and then International travel to China once a quarter.