Heat Merchants Group trades in 43 outlets around Ireland as Heat Merchants and Tubs & Tiles. The group has 31 Heat Merchants branches and 12 Tubs & Tiles showrooms supported by a central warehouse and distribution hub based in Athlone.
We currently require a Product (Purchasing) Manager (Plumbing) to join Heat Merchants Group.
BENEFITS:
- Competitive remuneration
- Bonus Scheme (Performance related)
- Employer Contribution to pension scheme
- 21 days annual leave increasing to 25 with length of service
- EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
- Wellness initiatives
- Life cover
- Employee discount
- Further education support
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Product Purchasing Manager will be responsible for sourcing the right product at the right terms (considering cost, rebate, lead times) that will allow Heat Merchants Group to continue to lead the way in the in the plumbing market by providing innovative solutions for customers and staff.
Key responsibilities will include Market research, Competitor analysis, Costing, Pricing, Value engineering and Range Management.
JOB SPECIFICATION:
- Manage existing stock profile to ensure it meets the demands of the business and our customers.
- Using market intelligence work proactively with Inventory Management ensure sufficient stocks are in place to meet demand while working to avoid over stocks and obsolete stocks.
- Liaise with the commercial sales team including the specification & estimation Teams to ensure what is purchased is aligned to both current and future sales strategies.
- Liaise with the Operations director to ensure that sufficient resources (physical space and labour) are in place to support ongoing or future initiatives.
- Ensure that terms of agreement (delivery schedules & quantity) are clearly communicated in a timely manner to the Inventory Manager.
- Build, maintain, and manage relationships with suppliers including negotiation of terms.
- Source the product from suppliers and ensure the terms of agreement meet or exceed the business requirements. Continually aspire to obtain more favourable terms and conditions.
- Conduct market research to keep up with legislation and advances in technology in the Plumbing & Bathroom sector
- Research and source new products as they are available on the market to check if they may provide a competitive edge for the business
- Carry out deals with suppliers over and above the agreed terms where we need to protect our margin should we need to take a reduction in selling price to win additional business from a customer
- Obtain and analyse market data to develop an understanding in establishing retail prices for the branches to allow them to win sales in a fluid market environment in conjunction with the HM and T&T Regional Management.
- Create and implement pricing strategy on new product lines to include customer terms and recommended margin halts.
- Maintain existing price files making changes where necessary or if more commercially beneficial to the business.
- Liaise with the Price File Maintenance (PFM) team to ensure that the correct information is communicated and loaded into the CORE system
- Understand that the branch network must be provided with a first-class service.
- Identify where improvements can be made and escalate where necessary to ensure the improvements are actioned where possible.
- Work as part of the Product Management Team and ensure that any areas where synergies can be achieved are maximised.
- Ensure that new products are launched, and introduced in a planned manner, highlighting, and educating staff about all benefits and USPs relating to that product.
- Work with Merchandising function to ensure a display plan supports new product introduction in Tubs & Tiles and Bathroom Merchants
- Work closely with Marketing to deliver sales / promotional material collateral to support key suppliers \ key product groups for distribution throughout the business.
- Work on offers to energise and support Heat Merchants Big Deals and Tubs & Tiles Sales and promotions
- Work with suppliers to deliver staff incentives \ rewards as part of promotions & product launches
- Adherence to and implementation of Health & Safety rules and procedures.
- Any other duties as may be reasonably requested by Management.
Please note that the above list is not intended to capture every detail of your role.but the main areas of responsibility.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The following criteria will be used in the selection process. Only those applicants who meet the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview. The Company reserves the right to initially shortlist those candidates who meet both essential and desirable criteria.
Essential
- Basic knowledge and understanding of purchasing principles
- Understanding of product pricing build up.
- Ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner.
- Excellent team player
- Experience in pricing and a clear understanding of margin expectation
- Ability to demonstrate sound commercial acumen with strong analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Excellent organisation and time management skills
- Relevant experience using an ERP system.
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office and in particular MS Excel
- Full, clean, valid driving license
Desirable
- Practical Plumbing & bathroom product knowledge in relation to Heat Merchants Group product range.
- Good Technical knowledge of plumbing systems & products
- Previous exposure to key Plumbing & Bathroom suppliers in terms of price negotiation
- Previous exposure to working with an internal pricing department.