vacancies

Buyer

Launched in November 2006, Ethicalsuperstore.com is a ground breaking internet business. The online shop lists over 3,500 fair trade, organic and eco-friendly products - the widest range available in the UK. Ethicalsuperstore.com is operated by PointOV Ltd, an ethical trading company established in 2003. The company also provides e-commerce services, fulfilment and wholesale products to leading brands and ethical trading companies. PointOV is passionate about people, honest in all aspects of its approach and visionary in the e-commerce leadership it provides. With a staff team of 26, the company is growing at 300% a year.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our rapidly expanding team. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Buying professional who particularly enjoys working with a diverse product supply base, preferably with experience working with ethical products. The successful candidate will play a key role in introducing and managing merchandise categories, brands and product ranges, which currently include energy efficient appliances/gadgets, ethical gifts, fair trade and organic food and drink, and eco-friendly fashion and home décor.

Key responsibilities are:

• Develop and maintain ethical product ranges that satisfies customers at all price ranges and various levels of ethical interest and criteria (e.g. eco-friendly, organic, fair trade, etc).
• Price setting and sales forecasting to maximise profitability, sales, margin and stock turn.
• Initial negotiating of trading terms and agreements with suppliers.
• Develop and launch promotional programmes to optimise sales and profitability.
• Monitor competitor and market developments and respond as appropriate.
• Review and engage with supply base to develop an industry leading range

Other Tasks

• Working closely with the Senior Buyer on projects in line with the business’ evolving needs.
• Carry out other duties, which may or may not be related to the job, as reasonably requested by Management

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 3 years buying experience.
• A quick thinker who makes successful commercial decisions to meet targets.
• Have a business-like approach, with honesty, tact and diplomacy when negotiating.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Highly computer literate, with excellent communication skills.
• Strong numerical skills with the ability to interpret statistics and make commercial decisions

Desirable

• Experience buying within a consumer web-based or direct marketing environment.
• Experience buying values-based consumer products or services.
• Experience working in a creative or entrepreneurial work environment

Personal Qualities

• Enjoy dealing with people by phone and in person.
• Good creative ability and an eye for detail.
• An ability to ‘make things happen’.
• Be able to absorb and assess information quickly.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail.
• Able to cope with change and work under pressure in stressful situations.
• Sympathy with the PointOV mission and goals