Buyer

Its; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tool supplier in Harlow is seeking a Category Controller for a full-time office-based role. The position emphasizes commercial instincts and decision-making in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include building supplier relationships, negotiating prices, and planning product strategies. Ideal candidates will have experience in buying or a related field, alongside strong analytical skills. The role offers a collaborative team environment and opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

28 days holiday, increasing with service

Qualifications

• Experience in buying, selling, or a similar commercial role.
• Background or knowledge in the tools or hardware industry.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity.
• Plan and execute promotional activity across the website and in stores.

Skills

Energy and initiative

Commercial instinct

Confident negotiation

Clear decision making

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Spreadsheets

Job description

ITS are one of the largest independent power & hand tool suppliers in the UK with a hugely successful on-line presence, catalogue and retail operation with ambitious plans for future growth and development. Our company prides itself on its strong work ethic, friendly and sociable atmosphere with a management structure who are supportive and keen to encourage internal progression.

Job Title: Category Controller

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.

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 Is

• 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

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
• Experience in buying, selling, or a similar commercial role
• Background or knowledge in the tools or hardware industry

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.

If you think you have the drive and passion to excel in this role and have the appropriate skills and experience we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

ITS offer a range of benefits including:-

• 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank holidays) which increases with length of service up to 33 days

DC One, Edinburgh WayHarlowEssexCM20 2BNUnited Kingdom