Category Buyer, Carp, UK & Europe - Remote office presence
Angling Direct PLC is the UK’s number one omnichannel fishing tackle retailer now with 57 stores across the UK, a strong online presence and expanding across Europe. With annual revenues of around £100m the business was originally founded in Norfolk in 1986 and was listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market in 2017.
Our purpose is to “Get Everyone Fishing” and our role is to provide the best products, services and expert knowledge to encourage anglers through their fishing journey in a way that is both socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. The business is currently experiencing strong growth having just released our H1 2025 results achieving UK store sales of +15.4%, online growth of +21.2% and overall +17.0% revenue growth.
We have ambitious plans with continued new store openings and online expansion and require an experienced Category buyer who can hit the ground running, developing and executing Category growth plans for the Carp category.
What You Will Do- Category Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute the buying strategy for the Carp category across the UK and Europe, aligning with company goals, brand identity, and customer insights.
- Commercial Performance: Deliver category sales and margin targets by managing budgets, negotiating supplier terms, and identifying opportunities for range expansion, NPD, and margin improvement.
- Data-Driven Insights: Use analytics tools such as Power BI and Ometria to monitor performance, forecast trends, and translate data into actionable merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies.
- Supplier Relationships: Build and manage strategic partnerships with suppliers, securing advantageous terms and driving collaborative joint business plans that unlock growth and innovation.
- Range Development & Optimisation: Lead category reviews, ensuring an effective balance of new product introductions, core range performance, and discontinued lines to optimise SKU efficiency.
- Collaboration & Projects: Work closely with marketing, retail, planning, and compliance teams to deliver aligned category strategies, promotional plans, and ensure compliance with UK/EU product legislation.
- Innovation & Market Awareness: Stay ahead of consumer and market trends, identifying new opportunities and product initiatives to strengthen Angling Direct’s category performance and customer appeal.
- Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.
- 5+ years’ experience in a retail buying, category management, or FMCG environment.
- Proven track record of driving commercial performance and delivering sales/margin targets.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.
- Analytical and data-driven, with experience in category and assortment analysis.
- Collaborative, hands‑on, and commercially minded approach.
- Excellent project management and cross‑functional working skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and familiarity with buying or analytics software.
- A passion for angling and/or the outdoors is highly desirable.
- High-impact, autonomous role with ownership of two key product categories
- Opportunity to shape category growth, ranging, and supplier strategy
- Competitive Benefits
- Generous staff discount
- Annual Salary up to £45,000 based on experience and relevant skills, including car and annual bonus
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