Senior 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 16,000 people.

Applegreen is in a rapid growth phase and to support this ambitious growth, we are seeking to onboard a Senior Buyer who will be part of our Commercial Trading Department in ROI. The successful candidate will be a confident people person who can adopt a hands-on approach and fit into the Applegreen culture seamlessly. The role will report directly into our Senior Buyer and will be based in the Group headquarter office in Park West, Dublin.

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

· 5+ 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.

· A highly organised individual with ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively for maximum impact and adapt around changing priorities as required.

· Proficiency in procurement software and tools; experience with ERP systems is a plus.

· Project management skills

· A proactive approach to problem-solving and a change-oriented mindset.

· Microsoft office intermediate to advanced level in excel, PowerPoint & word

· Power BI or equivalent beneficial

· SAP experience

· Experience within a convenience FMCG retail environment also advantageous

· Willing to travel ad hoc when required.

Illustrative Application & Screening Process (subject to change):

· Application Process:

o Please submit an up to date tailored CV (max 2 pages) and cover letter.

· Interview & Selection Process:

o Two interview rounds will be required for this role