Job Description

Job Title:

Category Controller (Hand Tools)

Location:

Harlow (Office-Based Role)

Employment Type:

Full-time

Reports To:

Head of Core Categories / Commercial Manager

This isn't your standard buying role. We're not here to offer just another procurement job where you tick boxes or just press buttons - you're making the calls that drive sales - fast.

At ITS, buying means having commercial instincts, understanding the market and being ahead of the competition to exceed brand and margin targets.

Alongside negotiating keen cost prices with suppliers, you'll be shaping product ranges, setting sell-out prices, and planning weekly promotional activity that keeps us ahead of the competition both online and in-store.
An understanding of hand tools and their applications is essential - our customers rely on us to get the right product in their hands, and we need buyers who know the difference between a claw hammer and a club hammer, and why it matters.

We're a fast-paced, close-knit, ideas-driven team where the right personality in the office matters just as much as the experience.

We Want Someone Who's

Full of energy and initiative Has commercial instinct to turn buying decisions into sales Confident in negotiating to influence results Clear decision making with the ability to act fast Knowledgeable about hand tools, their uses, and their relevance to our customer base

Key Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong supplier relationships Negotiate, influence and deliver results Monitor market trends and competitor activity Collaborate with the wider team to shape product categories Monitor category performance and forecast Work cross-functionally with internal teams particularly the marketing department Plan and execute promotional activity across the website and in stores

What The Role Involves

Regular use of spreadsheets, pivot tables, and data to make informed commercial decisions Switching between team projects and solo work to meet deadlines Staying organised and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Commercial awareness with a deep understanding of the target market and market pricing Primarily desk-based with use of Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and other internal software for analysis, pricing, and reporting

Desirable Experience

Experience in buying, selling, or a similar commercial role Background or knowledge in the tools or hardware industry Practical knowledge or hands-on experience specific to hand tools

Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive team environment, working with exciting products and well-established suppliers. This role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to the direction and success of key product categories, with clear pathways for career progression and personal development.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Employee discount Free parking On-site gym On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Harlow CM20 2BN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person