RKW Limited
Buyer / Senior Buyer - Floorcare
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We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and product-focused Buyer / Senior Buyer (DOE) to help drive the future of our Floorcare category across our portfolio of leading brands, including Tower, Swan and customer own-brand ranges.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Buyer who thrives on turning ideas into successful products. You will be responsible for identifying market opportunities, developing innovative products, managing supplier relationships and bringing new ranges to market.
Working closely with the Category Director and a wide range of internal stakeholders, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the category and driving commercial success, covering the full product lifecycle, from concept and sourcing through to launch and ongoing performance.
You will also support and develop junior team members while working collaboratively across Product Development, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and Operations teams.
This position offers a genuine progression pathway for individuals looking to develop into a Senior Buyer or future category leadership role. We are also able to consider applications from professionals currently at Senior Buyer level.
Responsibilities and Duties
Category & Product Development
- Own the development and execution of the Floorcare product roadmap.
- Identify market trends, consumer insights and emerging technologies to drive product innovation and category growth.
- Develop commercially successful products from concept through to market launch.
- Build and maintain compelling product ranges across branded and customer own-brand portfolios.
- Evaluate product specifications, features, performance and competitor offerings to make informed commercial recommendations.
- Ensure all products align with brand strategy, customer requirements and market opportunities.
Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manufacturing partners globally.
- Work closely with our sourcing teams and international suppliers to identify new product opportunities and improvements.
- Lead negotiations on product specifications, costs, lead times and quality improvements to achieve business objectives.
- Manage supplier performance to ensure high standards of quality, service and delivery.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as the central point of coordination throughout the product lifecycle.
- Work closely with Product, Sales, Supply Chain, Warehouse and other support teams to ensure successful product launches.
- Support Quality and Compliance teams in product assessments, testing requirements and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with Marketing teams to deliver best-in-class product positioning, packaging and launch campaigns.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of product information, packaging, artwork and marketing materials.
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Commercial & Category Management
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements to identify opportunities and risks.
- Prepare and present category reviews, competitor analysis and product recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of category sales, margin and profitability targets.
- Manage new and repeat product orders, ensuring consistency of supply and product quality.
Team Leadership
- Offer supervision and guidance to Buying Administrators and/or Assistant Buyers within the category.
- Support, coach and develop junior colleagues to maximise individual and team performance.
- Help drive continuous improvement within buying processes and ways of working.
Trade Shows & Travel
- Attend UK and international trade shows to identify new products, suppliers and market trends.
- Support the planning and execution of exhibitions and customer events where required.
- International travel may be required to visit suppliers and manufacturing facilities across China, India and Europe.
About you
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience within a Buyer, Product Development, Category Management or similar commercial role.
- Demonstrable success in developing products from concept through to market launch.
- Strong experience working with international suppliers and Far East manufacturing partners.
- Good understanding of import and export processes.
- Commercially aware, with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management capability.
- Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple departments.
- High attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality outcomes.
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Desirable
- Experience within Floorcare, SDA, Housewares, Consumer Electronics or a related consumer goods category.
- Previous experience managing, mentoring or developing junior team members.
- Experience working within a fast-paced retail, FMCG or consumer products business.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and commercially driven.
- Passionate about product development and innovation.
- Confident communicator and relationship builder.
- Positive, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Eager to learn, develop and take ownership.
Company Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
- Hybrid working (post induction / training)
- Annual company bonus scheme based on company and individual performance
- Staff discount on all RKW products
- Free parking on all sites
- Complimentary drinks
- Canteen facilities with hot beverage vending machines
- Mobile sandwich van
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Eye care allowance
- Exclusive discounts on cinema, holidays, days out, dining and more
- Long service incentives and rewards
Join RKW and play a leading role in shaping innovative Floorcare products from concept to consumer, while developing your career within one of the UK's leading consumer goods businesses. If you feel you have the right background and experience to carry out this busy role, we look forward to hearing from you, please apply now!
Come and help us to celebrate 35 years of business
If you feel you have the right background and experience to carry out this busy role, we look forward to hearing from you, apply now via this link or email your cv directly to recruitment@rkwltd.com
Notice to agencies. R K Wholesale Limited (the Company) will not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, search firms, or independent agents for this available role. Resumes submitted without authorisation and valid signed agreement in place will become the sole property of the Company. Therefore, no fee will be payable should a candidate be hired as a result of an unsolicited agency, search firm or independent agent's referral.
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