We have a fantastic opportunity for a Junior Buyer to join us here at Findel Education, where you will operate in a fast moving, exciting and developing environment. We’re the one-stop-shop for educational supplies, providing all of the products schools and nurseries need, delivered when they want them, at highly competitive prices.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for our product ranges covering Primary Science, DT & Music, ensuring that we exceed our customers’ needs and inspire the next generation of learners, as well as achieving all relevant commercial targets.
With support from the Senior Buyer, key tasks include:

o Take responsibility for delivering all buying, commercial and financial objectives for agreed range budgets.
o Manage and set all sell prices for the range, agree cost pricing and ensure P&L and budget targets are achievable. Clearly define category KVIs and price architecture.
o Work collaboratively with Merchandising, Marketing, Digital & Sales to trade performance, contributing positively to trading meetings.
o Conduct supplier negotiations and manage commercial terms, that support delivery of KPIs. Build and maintain long-term supplier relationships and source new suppliers that are aligned to the Buying strategy.
o Develop a deep understanding of the market, competition and customer.
o Deliver well-balanced, market leading ranges through effective customer engagement, taking into account commercial performance, competitor activity, market trends and brand ambition.
o Evolve the product range to meet changing customer and commercial needs, working with the New Product Development team where appropriate.
o Work in partnership with QA to ensure that Findel’s ethical sourcing standards are met and that products meet quality standards and packaging specifications.
o Adopt a digital first approach to product, working closely with Marketing to ensure a clear plan of activities for the category. Work with all functions to deliver best in class websites, catalogues and marketing materials, focusing on presentation and merchandising.
o Setup of products and ensure data accuracy across all relevant systems, completing any relevant admin tasks relevant to the role.

The Person

We are ideally looking for the following skills and experience:

o Previous experience as a Junior or Assistant Buyer, ideally in a fast-paced Buying environment with experience of managing ranges.
o Buying related degree or CIPS qualification desirable.
o Able to demonstrate an interest in education, ideally with knowledge of or a willingness to learn about the Science, DT & Music curriculum.
o Commercially focussed with an ability to deliver profitable growth through margin and impactful buying/procurement techniques.
o Experience of range analysis/range build.
o Experience of contract & rebate management desirable.
o Able to demonstrate negotiation skills.
o Confidence, drive and energy with excellent communication and presentation skills, able to engage and influence at all levels both internally and externally.
o Excellent organisation, prioritisation and time management skills.
o Excellent IT skills, including MS Office and ability to learn internal systems and processes.

Full-time (36.5 hours per week) & permanent role.

Competitive salary & benefits package including 25 days holiday plus an additional holiday to celebrate your Birthday, contributory pension scheme & staff discounts.

We are currently working from home and anticipate returning to the office 2/3 days per week.

To apply, please visit Careers Portal (adp.com)