Retail Buyer

Our Story

 Co-Op Superstores is the retail division of Dairygold Co-Operative Society Ltd which now operates 26 retail stores across Munster stretching across counties Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Clare. In addition to being Munsters largest supplier of Farm Inputs, our stores offer an extensive range of Building Supplies, Agri Supplies, DIY, Paint, Fuel, Electrical, Household, Garden, Pet & Equine and Workwear. Dairygold Co-Operative Society Ltd is Irelands largest farmer-owned co-operative. With headquarters in Mitchelstown, Cork, and operations in other locations in Ireland, Europe and worldwide, Dairygold processes 1.48 billion litres of milk a year, with an annual turnover of 1.65 billion euros. The society is structured across three imperative divisions; food ingredients, Agri business and retail, that drive and support our farmers and business. 

About the Opportunity

With a focus on community and support network behind them, our employees feel confident and motivated to challenge themselves and grow with the business. Reporting directly to the Head of Retail Buying and based in Lombardstown, Mallow, Co, Cork, the 

Retail Buyer 

 will manage the strategic planning, negotiation and implementation of the purchasing plan for a developing range of products in Dairygold Retail. 

Responsibilities for the successful candidate will include:

• Sourcing: Finding new suppliers, products and alternative supply chain arrangements.
• Contracting: Concluding contracts, order creation, price and product file maintenance.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Categorisation of suppliers, Rationalisation of suppliers, establishing the Competitor base for existing suppliers and dispute resolution with suppliers.
• Benchmarking: Price comparison, competitor tracking, market trend analysis, price policy.
• Business Communication Reporting:  Work with the Head of Commercial & Revenue and the Head of Buying to ensure that all reporting forums are adhered to in full
• Purchasing Customer base: Receives and provides value added information accurately and on a timely basis.
• Margin Improvement: Liaise with Finance, Marketing and the Supplier Base to ensure margin enhancement through free goods, LTA's, promotional support etc.
• Monitor and implement Procedures, Policy and Controls throughout the order to sale process for assigned categories Stock Management (ensure all risks and costs regarding damaged stock, slow moving stock and seasonal stock are minimised for categories assigned.
• Budgeting and Planning: Assist in the budgeting and planning process for categories assigned.
• Managing plans for stock levels, reacting to change in demand and logistics; Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products; receiving and analysing the proposals and tenders of suppliers for value.
• National and International travel required

The successful candidate will have:

• A Third level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• 2+ years relevant experience.
• Proven understanding of Retail buying and the underlying processes across the full remit of the role.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Time Management skills & ability to work under pressure and make quick informed decisions.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with effective communication, adaptability to market changes, and the ability to foster relationships with internal & external stakeholders, nationally & internationally.
• Experience in sourcing product direct from Far East (FOB business).
• Previous use of Intact or another MIS System.
• Strong IT literacy.

What Dairygold will offer you:

• Be part of a well-established progressive team.
• Be a part of Our Strategy Our Future 2030 which through significant investment in the appropriate infrastructure across the business has and continues to facilitate our growth ambitions.
• We offer competitive wage opportunities alongside our annual bonus scheme.
• We have a competitive company pension scheme. Dairygold match your contribution plus an extra 2% up to a maximum of 14% in total.
• We offer contributions towards healthcare.
• Paid Family Leave.
• We offer an Employee Assistance Program should any employee ever need support. Employee wellbeing initiatives are extremely important aspect for our co-operatives success. By supporting and inspiring our workers, we empower them to explore and discover their true potential.
• We pride ourselves on our culture and values. We work hard but we like to have some fun along the way too driven by our Sports and Social club.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• Permanent Contracts (unless otherwise specified).
• Training and up-skilling opportunities to help progress your career within Dairygold.
• Zero Harm employee Safety initiatives.
• Employee Service Awards.
• Employee Loyalty scheme of up to 10% discount in Co-op Superstores on selected lines.
• This is a hybrid working role * T&Cs apply.