Job Description

Merchandising Category Specialist - North Dublin

Ref No: DT17756ay

County Dublin, Republic of Ireland

Competitive salary

Merchandising Category Specialist 

Now, we’re looking for a Merchandising Category Specialist to join the team. This role will play a key part in the overall growth of the organisation along with helping to maintain the core ethos keeping the customer at the heart of everything we do.

Summary:

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

The role requires a candidate who will understand the requirements of each vendor and proactively manages that relationship to ensure it reaches its full potential.

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.
• Act as day-to-day liaison with Supply Chain
• Support on the negotiation of contracts/agreements with vendors
• This includes 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 Sales training sessions & meetings as required
• Ensure that you product and price file is continuously and accurately maintained
• Act as point of contact for DSMs and ASMs
• Act as escalation point for Demand Planners
• Monitor and maintain our database including Tas, COIs, etc to ensure that all records are fully up to date & accurate and compliant with for audit traceability
• Work with vendors to ensure vendor compliance, product availability and service level

Requirements:

• Third Level Degree in a Business / Procurement / Food related discipline is desirable
• High level of commercial expertise with relevant experience within the Food industry
• Results-based with a demonstrated track record of applying financial, commercial or procurement skills to a range of business-related objectives
• A proactive approach to problem solving and issue resolution.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills including Excel to intermediate-advanced level is a minimum requirement
• Full clean B driving license
• The role may involve travel, so a degree of flexibility is required

Core Competencies:

• Understanding Your Customers – acts as a role model in personal approach to internal and external customer goals.
• Takes time to understand the underlying needs of the stakeholders beyond those initially expressed.
• Flexibility & Adaptability – Demonstrates understanding of how change impacts people. Anticipates resistance to change and works to support effective change initiatives.
• Building Effective Relationships – Is a role model for maintaining constructive and effective relationships with others across departments and other boundaries. Demonstrates effective communication techniques and skills and is seen as a team player.
• Communication & Listening – Exceptional communication skills – writes and speaks clearly in a variety of communication settlings and style.
• Successfully delivers messages to all levels of the business and stakeholders achieving the desired effect.