Buyer

Role Introduction:

Established in 1992, Applegreen is a leading convenience roadside retailer in the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the US in both large-scale Motorway Service Areas and Travel Plazas, as well as smaller petrol stations. The business has grown to over €3BN in annual revenue, operating 600 Motorway Service Plazas and forecourt sites internationally and employing over 17,000 people.

Applegreen is in a rapid growth phase and to support this ambitious growth, we are seeking to onboard a Buyer, to join our team.

This role will form part of the Trading team and reports to the Senior Buyer The successful candidate will be a confident people person who can fit into Applegreen seamlessly and adopt a hands-on approach to their role.

As a Buyer at Applegreen, you will play a pivotal role in the overall management of specific Store categories. You will be a member of the trading team including buyers and support staff, implementing strategic initiatives that align with our business growth. This position requires a skilled professional who possesses strong analytical abilities, robust negotiation skills, and the aptitude to foster collaborative relationships both internally and externally. This role will have one direct report.

Key Responsibilities:

As Applegreen expands, the responsibilities will evolve and change over time. The core responsibilities will centre around the following areas:

Category Management:

• Oversee full category management for your designated product area, including responsibility for sales performance, margin optimization, budget adherence, and inventory management.

Supplier Relationships:

• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with existing and prospective suppliers, ensuring alignment with key company departments to enhance trading strategies.

Contract Negotiation:

• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, demonstrating sound commercial practices and ensuring favourable terms through effective Joint Business Planning (JBP) and Long-Term Agreement (LTA) negotiations.

Income Opportunities:

• Identify, develop, and execute initiatives aimed at increasing ancillary income streams, enhancing overall profitability and market presence.

Product Development:

• Scout and source innovative, high-quality product development opportunities. Manage the product lifecycle from conceptualization through to execution, ensuring alignment with market needs.

Process Improvement:

• Drive operational efficiencies within the Trading department by implementing new processes and advocating for change when necessary.

Market Analysis:

• Stay abreast of market and industry trends through competitor analysis, ensuring our product offering remains competitive and relevant.

Range Planning:

• Strategically plan and develop range plans for core and seasonal product buys to optimize assortment and stock levels.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that quality standards are met across all products, aligning with customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Pricing Strategy:

• Set and review pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace while ensuring profitability. Maintain a comprehensive pricing policy and closely monitor competitor pricing activities to ensure alignment with market conditions.

Performance Improvement:

• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement at both the category and process levels, focusing on delivering best value and quality within the team.

Sales Monitoring:

• Monitor and report on sales performance metrics to senior management, providing insights and recommendations for strategic adjustments.

Strategic Planning:

• Engage in strategic planning for product and category offerings to align with long-term business objectives.

KPI Management:

• Generate, track, and analyse Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to assess performance against set business goals.

Supply Chain Coordination:

• Collaborate with the supply chain team and suppliers to ensure optimal product availability across our range, managing any potential disruptions proactively.

The Candidate should have the following:

Qualifications, experience & skills

• 3+ year’s experience in buying with demonstrable track record in category management and strategic sourcing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Demonstrable track record in category management and strategic sourcing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across various organizational levels.

Additional key skills & attributes:

• A dynamic individual who adapts well to change and can thrive in a rapidly growing organisation that continues to evolve.
• Proven track record of delivering to tight deadlines.
• A highly organised individual with ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively for maximum impact and adapt around changing priorities as required.
• Ability to execute directly at high quality and pace.
• Excellent drive, enthusiasm and commitment and a keen interest in developing a career in Applegreen.
• A ‘can do’ attitude and a positive solution focused mindset.
• Has strong commercial acumen and a focus on delivering value to the business.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to engage and develop relationships with individuals at all levels of the organisation.
• Be a self-starter, and also be able to work collaboratively as a member of a highly interdependent team across many parts of Applegreen.
• Is resilient, calm under pressure and comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
• Has sound judgement and objective logical decision-making skills.
• Has strong leadership potential and management skills, who will be a role model for the people and culture at Applegreen.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
• Project management skills are a bonus
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a change-oriented mindset.
• Microsoft office intermediate to advanced level in excel, PowerPoint & word
• SAP Experience, Power BI or equivalent beneficial
• Experience within a convenience FMCG retail environment also advantageous
• Willing to travel ad hoc if required in addition to supporting out of hours content development as required.

Illustrative Application & Screening Process (subject to change):

Application Process:

• Please submit an up to date tailored CV (max 2 pages)

Interview & Selection Process:

• Two interview rounds will be required for this role.