Category Buyer and Controller

Location: Fully office based from Harlow, CM20 2BN
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum, DOE + Excellent Benefits!
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Benefits: 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank holidays) which increases with length of service up to 33 days, Employee Discount, Pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Free on-site gym, Free secure on-site parking, Great facilities with free tea/coffee and Company & ad-hoc team social events

Shape the Product Ranges Used by the UK’s Trades

ITS (Industrial Tool Supplies) is one of the UK’s leading independent retailers of power tools, hand tools, accessories, workwear and professional trade equipment.

Established in 1979, we’ve grown from a single shop to a nationwide business with a high-performing ecommerce operation, major distribution hub, and expanding retail footprint.

We’re trusted by tradespeople, builders, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and serious DIYers who rely on us to stock the brands they know at prices they love.

We’re now looking for a Category Buyer and Controller with a genuine interest in tools, trade hardware, power tool accessories, plumbing fittings, fixings, automotive consumables and other products used daily by UK trades.

This is not a general buying role, it’s a chance to shape the categories that keep Britain working.

About The Category Buyer and Controller Role

You’ll take ownership of categories specifically aligned to hands-on trades, helping us build market-leading ranges across:

• Hand tools (spanners, wrenches, chisels, screwdrivers)
• Power tool accessories (blades, bits, abrasives, cutting & drilling)
• Plumbing & heating consumables
• Automotive tools & workshop essentials
• Site hardware, fixings, fasteners and trade consumables

You’ll use your product understanding and commercial instinct to build the right range at the right price keeping ITS ahead of competitors and trusted by the trades who shop with us every day.

As our Category Controller, your responsibilities will include:

• Own your product categories and drive sales, margin and stock performance
• Build strong supplier relationships within hand tools, trade hardware, accessories, plumbing, automotive and related sectors
• Negotiate buying terms that deliver competitive prices and strong margin returns
• Maintain sharp, commercially focused pricing strategies
• Monitor competitor brands, pricing, promotions and market activity
• Ensure strong stock availability through accurate forecasting and demand planning
• Plan and execute promotions across our website, catalogue and retail stores
• Identify opportunities for bundles, add-ons, multipacks, trade deals and range improvements
• Work closely with marketing, ecommerce, retail, purchasing and warehouse teams
• Support the introduction of new brands, emerging products and trade innovations

To be successful in this role you must have:

• Proficiency working with data and spreadsheets including Excel and pivot tables
• The ability, experience and confidence to confidently negotiate and influence suppliers
• A commercially minded approach with strong market awareness
• A strong ability to work well within a fast paced environment
• Great organisation skills with a sharp attention to detail

It would be great if you had:

• Experience in buying, merchandising, sales or a commercial role
• Knowledge or interest in the tools, hardware, or construction industry

If you’re a commercially minded, motivated, and looking for an opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-growing business, then please click APPLY today!

No agencies please.