Merchandising Category Specialist – Co. Limerick.

Merchandising Category Specialist - Co. Limerick

The Merchandising Category Specialist will assist with the procurement process, day to day vendor management, range reviews, reporting, terms negotiation and vendor supply / service level.

The role requires a candidate who is comfortable working in a busy environment, part of a team managing high profile categories. This role involves cross-functional collaboration with trading, sales, QA, supply chain, culinary, finance and marketing departments. The successful candidate will have to foster a collaborative relationship with vendors and develop an in-depth understanding of the requirements of each vendor, while proactively managing that relationship to ensure it reaches its full potential.

This role will also involve participation in key projects, and the expansion of the company's own brand portfolio.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide day-to-day support in the management of supplier communication, including query resolution for stakeholders within the business in relation to vendor/items etc.
• Assist with range reviews, including tasting, benchmarking, assessing fit withing range and commercial proposition .
• Understanding market dynamics, competitive environment and customer insights.
• Take part in the introduction of new products to the business including liaising with the culinary team and presentations to sales.
• Act as day-to-day liaison with Supply Chain to maximise stock availability
• Support on the negotiation of contracts/agreements with vendors including tenders, vendor compliance, new vendor set up
• Providing support to the Sales Team on customer/external tenders as appropriate
• Liaise with other departments as required
• Review and monitor framework risks. Lead & support the development of mitigation plans to address these risks where possible
• Support in the identification and selection of vendors
• Working closely with Category Management team on sourcing, category strategy, supplier negotiations, supplier selection, supplier approval and supplier onboarding
• Ensure that inbound service levels are on or above target
• Attend and present at Sales training sessions & meetings as required
• Participate at and attend trade shows
• Ensure that the product and price file is continuously and accurately maintained
• Act as escalation point for Demand Planners
• Monitor and maintain database to ensure that all records are fully up to date & accurate and compliant for audit traceability
• Work with vendors to ensure vendor compliance, product availability and service level
• Analyse market trends and maintain awareness of industry changes to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to determine procurement needs and develop procurement strategies.
• Resolve supplier issues and discrepancies in a timely manner.

Interested candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, excellent problem-solving skills, self-motivation, ability to think strategically and adapt quickly to changes. You must have flexibility to travel domestically between company depots, for vendor meetings and customer visits. European travel will also be required.

Previous experience as a buyer or in a similar procurement role with negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.

• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Solid understanding of procurement processes, including sourcing, purchasing, and contract management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels
• Valid driving licence