Job Description

What I need to do (Key Accountabilities)

• Day to day management of my “Action Squad” (Merchandisers and Assistant Merchandisers) and to deliver daily sourcing priorities

• Lead the sourcing and merchandising activities for my area: Supplier Management, Cost of Goods, Availability, Product Development, Quality, Factory standards

• Be the go-to person of the categories managed

• Negotiate product costs and trading terms with suppliers to achieve margin targets.

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships and evaluate supplier performance.

• Ensure accurate and timely order placement and delivery tracking.

• Drive and collaborate with UK Buying teams to align on product development and seasonal sourcing strategies.

• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to inform sourcing decisions.

• Ensure compliance with quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability standards.

• Support continuous sourcing improvement initiatives and system enhancements.

• Contribute to projects and workstream to support the optimization of sourcing operation.

• Ensure my Action Squad is motivated, provide coaching to junior members and continuously develop skills and capabilities in one team.

What I need to show (Key Performance Indicators)

• Have a global mindset and accountabilities of the product categories I managed – Be the Subject Matter Expert of the products.

• Stay abreast of UK trade performance and commercial priorities · Achievement of cost savings and margin improvement targets.

• On-time delivery and order accuracy.

• Supplier performance, compliance and development metrics.

• Team performance and development outcomes.

• Successful execution of range plans and promotions.

• Stakeholder satisfaction and collaboration effectiveness.

• Contribution to process improvements and innovation.

What I need to know (Knowledge, Skills & Experience)

Essential:

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.

• Solid experience in merchandising or sourcing, preferably in the relevant category

• Proven experience in successful cost negotiation and supplier management.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

• Familiarity with sustainability and compliance standards.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Desirable:

• Experience with UK or international retailers.

• Knowledge of system related to supply chain and product life cycle

• Experience in managing a remote team

From fragrance to car care, clothing and pots and pans, our Sourcing Team delivers all the non-food items for our Sainsbury’s, Habitat and Argos customers in the UK. This multi-brand environment means you get to work across most areas. You can also be a pioneer, because the team believes in being brave, iterating and learning as they go. Working with colleagues globally, you’ll develop deep connections to other departments, which opens up a lot of different career opportunities for you.

We understand that all important work life balance and the benefits this brings for you, your role and our business. At Sainsbury’s Argos Asia, we work flexibly so you can prioritise. Exactly how you work will vary from role to role and between teams, depending on the nature of your work and specific goals. You will be able to manage your time better and concentrate on your wellbeing, giving you time to exercise, spend time with your family and friends when it matters or just to simply recharge your batteries.

This is a truly inclusive culture so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you go. Find out more about life working in Sainsbury’s Argos Asia and the importance we put into Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) by visiting our LinkedIn page - Sainsburys Argos Asia Limited