Senior Buyer, Currys

## Opportunity Review: Senior Buyer - Fixed Term Contract at Currys This review provides an in-depth look at the Senior Buyer position at Currys, a 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity based at the London Waterloo Campus. It aims to help potential candidates understand the scope of the role, its advantages, and key considerations for career growth.

Currys, a prominent UK tech retailer, is seeking a dynamic Senior Buyer to join their commercial team. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to the company's mission of helping everyone enjoy amazing technology by driving innovation and bringing new products to market. The position is for a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract or secondment, providing a structured period to make a significant impact.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: You will be at the forefront of introducing new product development and ensuring Currys remains a leader in tech innovation. This involves working closely with major brands and understanding their future roadmaps.
• High-Profile Responsibilities: The role involves managing high-turnover, complex categories, offering a substantial challenge and opportunity for skill development. You'll be responsible for negotiating crucial aspects of product ranges, pricing, and promotional activities.
• Relationship Building: A key part of this role is fostering strong, strategic partnerships with suppliers. This includes building credible relationships with external stakeholders and collaborating closely with the internal go-to-market and merchandising teams.
• Analytical and Commercial Acumen: This position demands strong commercial acumen. You'll be instrumental in analysing trading performance, providing data-driven recommendations, and ensuring financial objectives are met, directly influencing business strategy.
• Leadership Development: As you will be leading an assistant buyer, this role offers valuable experience in team management, coaching, and development.
• Career Growth and Learning: Currys emphasizes employee development, offering ongoing training and opportunities for skill enhancement. This contract period can serve as a valuable stepping stone in your buying career.
• Work-Life Balance & Benefits: The role offers hybrid working, with the London Waterloo Campus as a primary base. Additionally, candidates can expect competitive benefits including holiday entitlement, private medical insurance, life assurance, and a pension scheme.
• Sustainability Focus: Currys' commitment to being a leading recycler and repairer of tech presents an opportunity to contribute to a business making a positive environmental impact.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: The description explicitly calls for substantial buying experience within a fast-paced FMCG or Hard Goods retail environment. Strong negotiation skills and demonstrable experience managing supplier partnerships are essential.
• Analytical Skills: A high level of numerical and analytical ability is critical. You will need to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable plans. Proficiency in MS Office tools, particularly Excel, is a must.
• Stakeholder Management: The ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from suppliers to internal teams and senior management, is paramount. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are a key requirement.
• Problem-Solving: You will be expected to proactively resolve supplier issues related to cost, product, stock, and contractual agreements. This requires good judgment and strong decision-making capabilities.
• Fixed-Term Nature: While offering significant opportunities, it's important to note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract. Candidates should consider how this fits into their broader career aspirations.
• Domain Knowledge: Experience in the electricals market and products is highly desirable, though not strictly mandatory.

In summary, this Senior Buyer role at Currys is an exciting opportunity for experienced and driven professionals looking to make a tangible impact in the fast-paced world of consumer technology. It offers a chance to hone strategic buying, negotiation, and leadership skills within a supportive and forward-thinking organization.