Head of MDA & SDA

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for our next Head of MDA & SDA who is responsible for leading the commercial strategy, supplier partnerships and category performance across the Major Domestic Appliance (MDA) and Small Domestic Appliance (SDA) categories.

The role is accountable for delivering sustainable sales growth, profitability, market competitiveness and value for CIH members through effective category management, strategic supplier relationships and high-performing commercial teams.

Working collaboratively across Purchasing, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain/Operations, Marketing, Finance and Euronics International, the role will ensure product ranges remain competitive, commercially attractive and aligned to member requirements whilst optimising inventory performance and working capital.

The Head of MDA & SDA will develop and execute category strategies that support the wider commercial objectives of CIH, strengthen supplier partnerships and improve the profitability and competitiveness of Euronics members.

As a senior leader, the role is responsible for developing a high-performing team, embedding best practice and supporting the ongoing transformation of the Purchasing function through improved processes, technology and data-led decision making.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Reporting to the Purchasing Director your key responsibilities are:

• Leading and developing the team - You’ll lead, coach and develop the MDA and SDA commercial team, creating a high performing culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. You’ll support colleagues to deliver against clear objectives, develop their capability and work effectively across the wider business.

• Shaping commercial and category strategy - You’ll take the lead in developing and delivering the commercial strategy for the MDA and SDA categories, ensuring plans are aligned to wider business objectives and focused on profitable growth, strong category performance and value for our members.

• Building strong supplier partnerships - You’ll build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, leading joint business planning, quarterly business reviews and commercial negotiations that deliver stronger trading agreements, improved service levels and sustainable long term partnerships.

• Driving category and range performance - You’ll use market insight, sales data, supplier input and member feedback to shape commercially balanced product ranges. This will include leading range reviews, promotional planning, pricing activity and product lifecycle management to maximise sales, margin and competitiveness.

• Working collaboratively across the business - You’ll work closely with colleagues across Purchasing, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, Member Services and the Project Management Office to ensure activity is aligned, commercially focused and delivered effectively.

• Optimising planning, stock and availability - You’ll partner with Merchandise Planning and Supply Chain colleagues to improve forecasting, availability, stock productivity and working capital, ensuring commercial decisions are data led and support the wider business plan.

• Representing CIH externally - You’ll represent CIH at key trade events, both in the UK and internationally, identifying opportunities to strengthen supplier relationships, support innovation and deliver additional value for our members.

• Delivering strategic projects - You’ll support and lead strategic business projects as required, working with colleagues to ensure clear objectives, agreed milestones and successful delivery.

THE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS YOU WILL HAVE

Education:

Relevant degree.

Experience:

·       10+ years of commercial buying leadership.

·       Electrical retail/wholesale experience.

·       Strong negotiation skills.

·       Experience in category strategy and planning.

·       Well-developed leadership and coaching capability.

·       Excellent commercial and analytical skills.

Skills Required:

·       Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

·       Excellent leadership and team management abilities.

·       In-depth knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain management.

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

BENEFITS

This role is based in Andover. Benefits include a competitive package commensurate with experience, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays pro-rata, private health care, car allowance, life assurance and pension scheme. Hybrid working with flexible working week. Please reach out to us at recruitment@cihgroup.com for full job description and to answer any questions you may have or click on apply.

WHO WE ARE

Combined Independents (Holdings) Limited (CIH) is a not for profit buying group which is owned and governed by our membership (~450 independent high street electrical retail specialists based throughout the UK with over 600 outlets) and in 2023 celebrated our 60th year. 

In many cases, our membership are family run businesses, some of which have been established for several generations, and part of many local communities and high streets that come together as part of a buying group. All of our CIH membership have the opportunity to be a part of our network of “Euronics Agents” and as such can operate by utilising the brand name Euronics, as well as trading to the public through www.euronics.co.uk. 

CIH owns two purpose-built distribution centres, one in Tankersley to service the north and one in Andover to service the south, working closely with a dedicated warehouse and distribution partner at each centre. All of our colleagues are employed through CIH and are made up of experts in finance, HR, IT, logistics, ecommerce, marketing, and purchasing.