Retail Buyer/Category Manager - Beer Wine & Soft Drinks - DFDS : Job Details

Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as Retail Buyer/Category Manager for Beer, Wine & Soft Drinks.

Be part of the movement – and play your part

About the role

As the Retail Buyer/Category Manager for Beer, Wines & Soft Drinks you will be utilising analysis and insights to develop and deliver overall category strategies across DFDS global retail business to maximise profitable sales and drive efficiencies in stock with a view to optimising cost of catalogue and company cash-flow. Whilst also, analysing category performance across individual SKUs to continuously develop and optimise the category assortment to maximize absolute profit per passenger including right pricing and overall promotion strategy.

You will be responsible for:

• Analysing and understanding passenger shopper trends, market trends and consumer insight to tailor the retail assortment needs to the passenger

• Planogram management to ensure category vision is reflected on-shelf

• Supporting stock control, ordering processes and on shelf availability

• Full product lifecycle management including assortment management and clearance to optimise profitability.

• Owning the supplier relationship with all category suppliers and collaborate with DFDS Group Procurement to enhance commercial terms, income and promotional support.

• Working with suppliers and utilizing supplier insights to develop the retail assortment in specific categories which are curated for local customer needs.

• Providing rolling and regular sales forecasts to suppliers and distribution partners to ensure continuity of stock and on-shelf availability

• Working cross-functionally and collaboratively with other Category Managers, marketing and operational colleagues to develop execution plans for the category strategies.

• Frequent visits to key Vessels and Port Shops to resolve challenges and accelerate the delivery of new opportunities and initiatives.

• Developing and agreeing activation plans for key initiatives including merchandising and promotion recommendations.

• Delivery of Budgeted financial KPIs including sales, profit, margin and supplier income.

• This role will involve travel, so a valid passport is essential.

About you

We are on the hunt for a dynamic and experienced Retail Category Manager or Buyer, with at least 3+ years of head office experience, to join our international team. If you have a passion for the Wine and Beer categories, even better—a qualification like WSET or sommelier training would set you apart. Prior experience in the Travel Retail sector would be a distinct advantage. You’ll have a proven ability to drive bottom-line growth, with strong analytical skills and a track record of success in delivering category performance. Ideally, you hold a degree in sales, marketing, or business, and you're a confident communicator who thrives on collaborating with senior stakeholders. Excellent negotiation skills and fluency in English (both written and spoken) are a must, along with solid IT skills and advanced Excel proficiency.

We’re looking for someone who loves a challenge and thrives in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You should be able to juggle multiple projects, adapt quickly to change, and be comfortable engaging with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation. If you’re a self-starter who’s driven by results, has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys a good laugh along the way, we want to hear from you.

We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join.

Working at DFDS

Join the movement and grow with us.

Be a valued member of a diverse team at DFDS and help drive change together.

While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed.

Now about what we can give you. You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as:

• Life assurance cover

• Contributory company pension scheme

• Holiday Purchase Scheme

• Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests between Dover and Calais / Newcastle and Amsterdam with no limit on trips

• Full employee assistance programme including:

• Proactive financial, emotional, mental, and physical health care support including face to face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their family.

• Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers

• Cashback on health care including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, specialist consultations and much more.

• Access to Thrive, our award-winning Wellbeing platform.

• Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing.

Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now.

If you think your personality, skills, experience, and desire match this role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV as soon as possible, as we’re keen to meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis.

We look forward to hearing from you.