Category Buyer - Indoor / Outdoor Plants & Shrubs

Our client is a growing independent Garden Centre group who is looking to strengthen their procurement team by appointing an established category buyer to develop and build on their current indoor and outdoor plant range. With experience in a horticulture / retail environment you will be accustomed to dealing with high volumes and working in a fast paced environment. You will be ambitious and enjoy a strategic element to your role.

Key responsibilities for this Category Buying role:

• Driving and developing product strategy in terms of supply base, customer base, product range and key trends
• Ensuring budget and forecast plans are met or maximised
• Negotiating with suppliers to obtain best conditions for the business in terms of product prices and trading agreements
• Developing products with quality and competitor pricing in mind to ensure that company guidelines are followed
• Reviewing range for promotable products that will best match channel, brand and department image in terms of seasonality, objectives and stock turn
• Liaising with key managers in the business in order to allow stock and sales to flow through the business in the most profitable and efficient manner

As an ideal candidate for this category buyer role:

• Proven experience as a retail or wholesale buyer, ideally within a fast-moving, multi-site retail environment.
• Experience in plant category buying, with a keen understanding of product wastage and inventory management.
• Strong Background in general horticulture, including the growing and maintenance of a wide range of plant species
• In-depth knowledge of plant import legislation and industry regulations.
• Exceptional commercial acumen, with the ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
• Proactive, reliable, and highly organised, with a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrable success in supplier negotiation and contract management (both UK and international).
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A true team player with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills

In reward, the successful applicant will be offered:

• Salary linked to experience
• Company car 
• Contributory pension scheme
• 20% Staff discount across all brands
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) increasing by a day a year for the first 5 years in line with length of service
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Onsite parking
• Flexible Friendly working environment
• Opportunities to develop and progress a career within the group.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want join a well-established, family-run business, we’d love to hear from you!