Buyer, Retail

Shape the products that help inspire the next generation of learners. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team as a Buyer.

Responsible for product ranges within our Curricular category, you'll ensure educators have access to the high-quality, innovative resources they need to deliver engaging lessons and inspire the next generation of learners.

Reporting to the Buying Manager, you'll be a commercially focused, data-driven decision maker with strong negotiation and trading skills, accountable for delivering category performance and achieving key commercial KPIs.

Based in Hyde, Greater Manchester, with hybrid working.

• Collaborate with Merchandising to roll up budgets, margin and pricing architecture for products.
• Monitor and optimise trading performance – identifying all ways possible to deliver KPIs.
• Partner with Merchandising to ensure product coverage and the best possible stock management.
• Gather data from various sources to be able to analyse, report and ultimately trade effectively, reacting to opportunities and chasing growth.
• Build, maintain and strengthen supplier relationships, leading negotiations and managing commercial terms (including rebates) to support KPI delivery.
• Develop a deep understanding of the market, customer and competition and demonstrate clarity of ranges vs competition.
• Support Bids & Tenders team with finding suitable product at the appropriate price to win contracts.
• Identify and develop a category range to deliver KPIs and meet customer needs in terms of value, quality and choice, feed into a range plan that articulates how the range will meet financial targets.
• Identify sourcing requirements, produce briefing packs and work with Merchandising to agree quantities.
• Develop innovative new products from far sourcing markets.
• Work in partnership with QA to ensure product meets correct quality standards.
• Ensure new products are available and move through the quotation/sealing/PO stage without unnecessary delay.
• Develop proficient knowledge of relevant systems (SAP, Pro Digi, Competitor Monitor, PowerBI).
• Oversee the setup of products and ensure data accuracy across all relevant systems,
• Undertake sourcing activities (attendance at trade fairs and trips in the UK and overseas)
• Provide appropriate support, coaching and development for Assistant Buyer.

• Previous experience in a commercially focused Buyer role
• Buying-related degree or CIPS qualification (desirable)
• Strong negotiation, contract and rebate management skills
• Experience of range analysis and range development
• Experience of developing own-brand product ranges (desirable)
• Strong customer and commercial focus, with a results-driven approach to KPI delivery
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Leadership capability, including coaching and line management of Assistant Buyers

Findel is the UK’s leading educational resource supplier, supporting schools and nurseries through our inspirational brands:
Hope, GLS, LDA, Davies Sports, and Philip Harris. Part of the €1bn turnover Manutan Group, we believe inspiring future generations is a cause worth championing. Purpose-led, we are Eco Vadis rated for sustainability, a certified Great Place to Work, and driven by the Findel Foundation.