Buying Controller Scout Shops Ltd. Applicant Information Pack

Transcription

1 Buying Controller Scout Shops Ltd Applicant Information Pack

2 Contents Page 3 Page 5 Page 8 Page 8 Introduction Job Description Personal Specification Terms and Conditions of Employment

3 Introduction Thank you for your interest in the above role. This document does not form part of the terms and conditions, but aims to give you more information about the role, its context and an outline of the work you could be involved with. Background to The Scout Association s Headquarters The UK headquarters of The Scout Association is based at Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, and is operationally divided into four directorates. Scout Shops limited work within the Finance Directorate and are based in Lancing, West Sussex. Chief Executive Programme and Development Marketing and Communications Finance Corporate Services Outline of Role: Following the planned retirement of the existing post holder, an exciting opportunity exists to join Scout Shops Limited as Buying Controller. The successful candidate will be based at the Scout Association s Lancing site on the South coast. The role is viewed as central to the development of further innovation and best practice across the spectrum of buying, e commerce, marketing, stock management and distribution activity. As part of a small senior management team reporting directly to the Managing Director, the post holder will be highly influential in the successful delivery of existing ambitious and customer focussed business development plans. They will be responsible for the generation of new thinking to drive product development, including further global sourcing and effective marketing activity, particularly via new media channels. Highly successful in its own right, Scout Shops Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Scout Association (a national registered charity) with100% of its profits channelled back into Scouting. The Association has also witnessed strong growth in terms of membership numbers in recent years. Scout Shops aligns its products and merchandise to the brand and values of The Association and takes every opportunity to promote Fun and Adventure to its 400,000 young members and volunteer leaders. The Buying Controller will have regular opportunities to engage with and support the wider Association s activities at Gilwell Park, hence enabling the post holder to develop a product strategy that meets the needs and aspirations of the Scouting Movement.

4 The business offers a stimulating environment where the post holder has a unique opportunity to influence the next stage of development in terms of new marketing initiatives, range selection and business processes. Having recently been awarded a nine year contract to operate the World Scout Shop, the role also offers a magnificent opportunity to carve a successful new business on the World Scout stage as well as playing a key part in influencing the UK business. If you possess the knowledge, skills, flair and drive to perform this role then we are confident you will not be disappointed with the scope and potential a career with Scout Shops Ltd can offer at this exciting phase of our development. We look forward to receiving your application Applications: The closing date for applications is noon on 9 October 01. Please ensure in your application form, that you provide a statement as to why you believe you are suitable for the role and what you believe you could bring to the post. Ensure you address the points in the person specification (as attached in the relevant job pack). Please download both the application form and fill in the recruitment monitoring form online. The application form should be ed to human.resources@scouts.org.uk before noon on 9 October 01. Interviews will be held in Lancing on 07 November 01. Please note that if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please assume that you application has been unsuccessful.

5 Job Description JOB TITLE: BUYING CONTROLLER SCOUT SHOPS LTD DIRECTORATE: Finance REPORTS TO: Managing Director Scout Shops Ltd LOCATION: Scout Shops Ltd, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UG DEPARTMENT: Buying Office NUMBER OF JOB HOLDERS: 1 DIRECT REPORTS: 4 (team of 17) DATE OF JOB DESCRIPTION: September 01 TSA RANGE: H (Level 1-5) Competency Level: 1 Functional Relationships with: Internal (The Scout Association and Scout Shops Limited): Heads of Departments, Stock Control, Warehouse, Finance, Sales, Marketing & Communications, Programme & Development and the Managing Director. External: Suppliers / manufacturers/agents and appropriate World Scout and National Scout Organisations. 1. PURPOSE OF THE JOB To take primary responsibility for the design and implementation of SSL s product development and buying strategy which underpins the company s business plans for and complements TSAs Towards Vision 018. To source, develop and market a profitable and appropriate high quality range of Scouting and branded merchandise and accessories for both the UK and Worldwide Scouting audiences which meet /exceed the needs of Scouts in terms of functionality, durability and value for money. To negotiate favourable cost prices, promotional support and purchase terms to achieve sales and margin targets for all selected products. To support the TSA s marketing team to drive marketing and promotional activity via a variety of channels to meet sales / profit objectives. To complement the TSA s marketing and, design and editorial teams to provide cost effective product marketing and best practice in sales generation via multimedia,mobile and online/ offline channels To determine order levels to constantly meet anticipated consumer demand whilst meeting stock turn and stock holding objectives. To cost effectively manage the warehouse and distribution operation, whilst optimising customer service.. DIRECTORATE/DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW

6 Scout Shops Ltd (SSL) and World Scout Shop Limited (WSSL) are wholly owned subsidiaries of The Scout Association (TSA). Both businesses return all financial surpluses to TSA to support projects that enhance the lives of many thousands of young people involved with Scouting. With a turnover in excess of 6.5m in the UK, a product range of,000 lines, and 55,000 orders processed and dispatched annually to both a wholesale and consumer customer base, the business provides a fundamental service to the Scout audience both within the UK and globally in terms of the efficient provision of merchandise requirements. The postholder will be expected to engage with all areas of TSA s activities and will be expected to attend regular meetings at Gilwell Park, Chingford 3. DETAILS OF ANY LIMITS / AUTHORITY LEVELS / SUPERVISION OF STAFF Responsible for all merchandise orders - Circa 3.5m per annum and stockholding of circa 800k. Responsible for Product developments, Buying, Stock Control and Distribution resource. In total 17 staff members. Direct Line reports - staff. Signatory for purchase orders up to 35k and invoices up to 10k. 4. QUANTITIVE DIMENSIONS OF THE JOB Sales budgets 01/13: Scout Shops Ltd 6.5m World Scout Shops 35k Stockholding 800k 5. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES To cost effectively source and develop a desirable and profitable range of merchandise for all Scouting audiences (UK & worldwide) having evaluated all sourcing options. To work alongside and support TSA s Marketing team with the development and implementation of cost effective marketing plans for the full range of merchandise via all available on/offline channels including new media to maximise sales/ awareness. % of time Spent (nonmanag erial) To locate reliable and ethical suppliers and negotiate favourable prices and terms to achieve required profit margin / stock turn targets. To identify stock purchase requirements and specify order levels to consistently meet demand whilst adhering to Company stockholding requirements. To maximise supplier support in terms of marketing initiatives, advertising monies and promotional activities. To propose/ implement promotional activity to stimulate sales whilst attaining margin/ profit objectives

7 To create genuinely unique products to fulfil / exceed the needs and aspirations of Scouts. To purchase special order requirements in an efficient and cost effective manner. To liaise and effectively communicate with TSA Marketing & Communication colleagues to ensure effective and timely production of marketing activity including catalogues, promotions and social media activity. To source products to support external Scouting events including Jamborees. To fully participate in regular SSL management meetings and contribute to the strategic direction of the business. To efficiently manage stock-turn, stock holding and distribution in conjunction with the supplier base to achieve annual targets. To ensure all aspects of the warehouse, distribution and print to order operations achieve maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness via regular review and benchmarking. To attend and participate at external Scouting events including Jamborees. To lead, motivate and line manage direct reports and other colleagues ensuring that workloads / project deadlines are achieved. To accurately maintain product pricing, description and bar code information on relevant IT systems and websites, across the full range of merchandise. To create product copy, obtain product images and upload to relevant IT systems/ websites To regularly review and set competitive but profitable selling prices to achieve annual sales and margin targets. To recommend changes to the Company s trading terms and policies to ensure that they remain competitive. To assist in the timely preparation of appropriate reports, sales literature catalogues, flyers and price lists To regularly review and take action on the profitable clearance of discontinued lines. To coach, manage and develop staff. To undertake, from time to time, other matters at the discretion of the Managing Director. 6. OTHER INFORMATION Occasional unsocial hours working including weekends / evenings at Lancing and other TSA

8 centres Travel required, including oversees & overnights. Requirement to assist at external sales events. Person Specification E = Essential HD = Highly Desirable D = Desirable KNOWLEDGE / QUALIFICATIONS Educated to a degree level or equivalent E Professional purchasing qualification e.g. Member of Institute of Purchasing HD & Supply At least 5 years commercial buying experience at senior level E Experience /knowledge of current retail/ online marketing(e-marketing), search engine and social media best practice HD Knowledge of Scouting HD Knowledge of Far East sourcing E E Commerce / Commercial sector experience E Experience of developing product for young people HD Knowledge of garment manufacturing processes HD Knowledge of sophisticated stock management systems E Knowledge of warehouse operations HD Knowledge of Camping and Outdoor clothing sectors HD EXPERIENCE / PERSONAL QUALITIES Energetic E Self motivated E Strategic thinker E Innovator E Flexible attitude E Displays initiative E Strong commercial acumen E Problem Solver HD Open minded HD Personable HD Good humoured HD

9 Holds a full driving licence HD Maintains confidentiality E Motivator of others HD SKILLS Fully computer literate E Proven strong negotiator E Excellent communicator at all levels verbal and written E Highly numerate E Creative E Team player E Relationship builder suppliers and colleagues E Able to multitask and prioritise E Ability to work under sustained pressure HD Ability to meet targets / deadlines E

10 October 01 Managing Director David Markwell Facilities & Maintenance Co-ordinator Sharon Perreaux Financial Controller / Company Secretary Keith Peters Buying Controller Robin Lush Business Development Manager Dave Ross Assistant Accountant Clare Bentman Assistant Buyer Malcolm Evans Assistant Buyer Naomi Stephenson Stock Control Manager John Dunford Business Development Executive David Whitehead Sales Office Manager Steven Lewis System & Web Operator Trish Vince Purchasing Ledger & Credit Controller(s) Rachel Bailey Buying Assistant Thomas Evans Stock Control Supervisor Barry Barrott Senior Distribution Centre Supervisor Mike Hicks Sales Office Asst Manager Janet Rogers Web Operator Assistant Lisa Jackman Henry Hawkins Accounts Assistant Maxine Ross Distribution Centre Supervisor Gary White Sales Office Assistants Ann Bond Crystal Ellis Caterall Dawn Larbey Mark Stephen Juri Hiltunen Distribution Centre Assistants Michelle Allen Maurice Booker Jenny Gudmunndsson Dave Hughes Philip Mitchell Victoria Cutress Mike Stacey Tony Trigwell Dave Wills Susan Pennock

11 What s in it for me? Annual Salary: Starting salary non negotiable at 40,14 which represents Level 1 of Band H with the possibility to increase on an annual incremental basis by 1 level (subject to satisfactory performance), to a maximum of Level 5 47,311. Company car provided. Salaries are paid monthly by direct transfer on or about the 0 th of the month. Overtime is not paid although time of in lieu may be authorised. Hours of Work: 35 hours per week Notice Period: months Location: Scout Shops Limited, Lancing, West Sussex Holiday Entitlement: 3 days per year plus bank holidays. This increases after two years service to 6 days and after five years to 30 days. Probationary Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. Employee Benefits an introduction The Scout Association is keen to ensure that employees are offered a range of attractive benefits. At the same time, we also need to cater for a variety of needs and lifestyles. Benefits apply to employees upon completion of three months in their role unless otherwise stated. Looking after your health and wellbeing Simply Health medical scheme Employees have access to the Simply Health medical scheme. Full details are available on employment but a summary of the benefits is as follows: Dental 100% - up to 10 Optical 100% - up to 10 Face to face counselling sessions up to 6 sessions Private consultation and diagnostics 100% - up to 300 Physiotherapy/Osteopathy/Chiropractic/Acupuncture/Homeopathy 75% - up to 300 There is an opportunity to add a partner and up to four children to this scheme at an additional cost to the employee. Sickness Absence The Association pays sickness above the statutory minimum requirement. Keeping fit and active Employees can benefit from discounted rates on gym membership. Being a member of the Health Club and Wellbeing Scheme gives you and your family access to the lowest corporate membership rates at over,000 health clubs, gyms and leisure centres across the UK. Food and Drink Free lunch is provided to all employees when they are working at Gilwell Park, between Monday and Friday. Alternative arrangements are in place for staff at our Scout Activity Centres. Free beverages are available at all sites. This benefit is available immediately upon taking up employment. Looking after your future Pension

12 For all employees, the Association has a Group Personal Pension Plan. This plan allows employees to contribute a minimum of 1.5% of their gross salary up to the maximum allowed within HMRC limits. The Association will contribute twice the employee s contribution, up to a maximum of 10% of gross salary. Life Assurance All employees are covered by a scheme which pays two times the basic salary in the event of death in service. Getting to and from work Interest free season ticket loan Employees may apply for a loan to assist with the purchase of a travel season ticket. The loan will be paid back monthly by automatic deduction from salary. Car parking All sites offer free car parking to employees Cycle to Work scheme This scheme is a form of salary sacrifice which enables employees to purchase a bicycle through the Government s Cycle to Work Scheme and can save you up to 50% on the retail value (depending on the employees tax bracket). Minibus Service (Gilwell Park) A minibus service is provided which collects colleagues at 08:40 and 08:50 from Chingford Station and drops off to the same location at 17:00 hours. Looking after your nearest and dearest Carer s Leave Up to three day s paid leave a year please see our Leave policy. Maternity Leave The Association pays maternity leave above the statutory minimum requirement. Paternity Leave The Association pays paternity leave above the statutory minimum requirement. Childcare Vouchers This scheme is a form of salary sacrifice, enabling employees to purchase childcare vouchers. Start and finish time Employees can apply for some flexibility on their start and finish times of work. Making your money go that little bit further Scout Shops purchase Employees can make purchases from Scout Shops LTD with a discount of 5% on certain items, excluding uniforms. Restaurant discount card This discount card is in conjunction with TasteCard and allows a range of discounts (up to 50%) on a range of restaurants across the UK. This can be purchased for approximately 30. Developing yourself and others Study and volunteer leave Special leave includes paid leave for volunteering and study leave.

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