Category Buyer/Procurement
Posted 5 days 19 hours ago by Elk Recruitment
The Category Buyer - Cards is responsible for supporting the development, sourcing, and performance of greeting card ranges across seasonal and everyday categories. Working within a small, fast paced team, this role combines commercial decision making with hands on execution across product development, supplier coordination, and stock management. Reporting to the Buying & Sourcing Manager, the Category Buyer plays a key role in delivering commercially successful card ranges that align with customer needs, market trends, and margin targets and are aligned to Garlanna's brand direction and commercial requirements.
Based at Head Office, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow this role reports directly to senior management. Standard working hours are Monday - Thursday (09:00 - 17:30) and Friday (09:00 - 17:00), with flexibility required at times to meet business needs.
Key Responsibilities Category & Range Management- Support the planning and development of greeting card ranges across key occasions and everyday lines
- Work closely with design to ensure products are commercially viable and aligned to target cost prices
- Monitor category performance, identifying opportunities to optimise range, pricing, and product mix
- Use sales data and customer insights to inform decisions and improve range performance
- Manage day to day communication with suppliers, printers, and manufacturers
- Support sourcing of new materials, finishes, and product innovations
- Assist with cost negotiations and ensure products are developed within agreed cost parameters
- Track orders and ensure timely delivery in line with seasonal deadlines on critical path, ensuring operations team have sufficient executional time
- Maintain accurate product costings and support margin tracking across the category
- Assist in price setting and ensure alignment with commercial targets
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies
- Manage product lifecycle and monitor performance to identify top/poor performing lines
- Coordinate the production process from artwork handover to final delivery
- Manage proofing, checking artwork and samples for accuracy and quality
- Work with suppliers to resolve any quality or production issues
- Align production timelines to critical path
- Ensure that any executional POS/FSDU's etc are included in the buy plan
- Support stock planning for new and existing lines, including reprints
- Monitor stock levels and sales performance to minimise risk and maximise availability
- Assist with forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with sales
- Optimise stock turn and reduction of inventory holding
- Work closely with design, sales, and marketing teams to support product launches
- Assist in the development of sales materials and product information where required
- Contribute to customer presentations and range reviews