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Category and Trading Director
Location: Keynsham, Bristol
(this role offers the option of hybrid working, with the expectation of attending the office a minimum of 3 times per week)
About Us
Founded in 2005, Pet Drugs Online has grown to become one of the UK's largest, most-trusted, vet-run suppliers of veterinary medication and animal products licensed in the UK. Not only are we one of the UK's largest retailers of pet medication; we're also part of IVC Evidensia, the UK's and Europe’s largest veterinary group with over 1,500 practices spanning eleven countries.
About the role
The Category and Trading Director will lead the commercial strategy for Pet Drugs Online, focusing on category management, trading planning, pricing, propositional development, and margin improvement. This role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of e-commerce dynamics and ideally the pet healthcare market.
About you
You'll have demonstratable experience in a senior commercial or category management role within e-commerce, preferably in the pet healthcare or retail sector.
You'll have strong negotiation skills with a track record of securing advantageous supplier agreements.
You'll have an analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
You'll also be an excellent leader with team management abilities
Proficiency in e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies.
Strong interpersonal skills with a confident, enthusiastic approach and a can-do attitude
Experience of building sound business cases to support business objectives
Able to prioritise and deliver complex projects and self-motivate, whilst working to strict deadlines and targets.
Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
What you'll do
You'll be responsible for providing financial and operational analysis and decision support to the UK E-Commerce operation which will include the following:
Commercial Negotiations & Supplier Management
Develop and implement negotiation strategies to secure favourable terms with suppliers, including pricing, promotions, and exclusive products.
Foster strong relationships with key suppliers and identify opportunities for new partnerships to enhance the product portfolio and category performance.
Category Management
Oversee the product assortment, ensuring a comprehensive range that meets customer needs and market trends.
Analyse sales data to inform decisions on product lifecycle, inventory levels, fulfilment routes and discontinuations.
Channel Management
Manage performance across all sales channels, including the e-commerce platform and third-party marketplaces.
Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to optimize channel strategies and enhance customer experience.
Trading Planning & Pricing Strategy
Develop and execute trading plans aligned with business objectives and seasonal trends.
Implement pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability, considering market dynamics and customer expectations.
Propositional Development
Innovate and enhance the value proposition of product offerings, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and customer needs.
Lead initiatives to introduce new products or services that drive customer engagement and sales growth.
Drive initiatives to improve the CX; website, fulfilment and customer service
What you’ll get in return:
True to our values, we care about our employees and genuinely want our teams to have the best experience at work possible. You will work with our friendly teams in a dog-friendly office environment.
Our benefits:
5 weeks holiday (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
Your birthday as a paid day off each year
PMI Cover
Company bonus
Discounts across our products together with discounted veterinary fees within IVCE practices - up to 50%
Cycle to Work Scheme
Bring your dog to work
Company pension - Employee 5% / Employer 3%
EAP and supportive wellbeing programmes
Family friendly policies
Additional information:
We welcome applications from people across all communities and backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse workforce supports our commitment to building an including working environment where our team members can thrive and reach their full potential.
Access to our rewards platform where you can enjoy discounts with a wide variety of retailer
Pet Drugs Online
Unit 7B, Burnett Business Park, Gypsy Lane, Keynsham, BS31 2ED, United Kingdom
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Any questions before applying?
Speak to Danielle Hughes from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.