Trainee Buying Executive

Rowan International is a Specialist International Distributor of products from fmcg manufacturers into the thriving discount channel.

As the market leader with a turnover in excess of £45m (and growing), Rowan has an extensive list of household name suppliers across Europe.

The Buying function at Rowan is core to the business, responsible for buying a wide range of products encompassing the entire grocery sector, both foods and non-foods. Buying is unique within Rowan, calling for an individual with tenacity, perseverance and endeavour

The opportunity

Rowan International currently seeks high calibre individuals to join our buying team to contribute to our continued growth.

Initially as a trainee you will work alongside a senior buyer or buying group, providing full support to the buying operation and learning the business firsthand.

Once your training is complete (which can range from 3-6 months), you will progress to managing your own supplier portfolio, becoming responsible for their profitability and development, in addition to finding new companies and products

Long term, for the right person, the position will develop into a buyer role with significant earning potential.

Key initial responsibilities

Ø       Providing support for buyers in the evaluation of deals

Ø       Researching specific product offers for the buyer

Ø       Conducting market research in the discount channel through store visits to understand market pricing and products.

Ø       Completion of all the necessary information for deal negotiation and ordering in a coherent and timely format

Ø       Reconciliation of stock on arrival and completion of purchase orders

Ø       Reconciliation of deals and coordination of all information related to that deal

Ø       Liaising with internal departments for information related to deals and purchases

Ø       Liaising with supplier to obtain specific deal information, arrangement of deliveries and resolving any day-to-day issues, whilst at the same time identifying any other potential opportunities within those suppliers.

Ø       Market research in the discount channel through regular store visits and identifying potential buying opportunities

Ø       Understanding and utilising GNPD to it’s maximum effective

Ø       Obtaining offers for buyers through supplier contact

Ø       Evaluating ways in which the buying model can be improved.

Key attributes

Ø       Interpersonal skills

Ø       Clear and persuasive written and verbal skills

Ø       Commercial awareness

Ø       Mathematical ability and computer literate (including Excel skills)

Ø       Effective negotiation skills

Ø       Confidence to take on additional tasks

Ø       Strong planning and organisational capabilities

Ø       Tenacity and endeavour – not afraid of hard work - willing to go “the extra mile”

Ø       Team player

Ø       Second European language (French and/or Italian) to business level essential

What we offer

For the right individual, Rowan offers an enjoyable and rewarding environment in which to flourish. It’s flat structure emphasises personal skill development, and success is very dependant on a persons own drive and initiative.

Additional responsibility is given freely as that individual shows the ability and hunger to succeed.

Location

Basildon, Essex. Needs to be within 45 minute commute or be prepared to relocate)

Must hold a full and clean driving license.

Salary

£20k + bonus scheme once training period is complete.