Halfords

About us 

We’re proud to be the UK’s biggest cycling retailer, and we’re on an exciting journey to transform our Commercial Team into a dynamic Category Management led function that is fully aligned with our retail strategy. This evolution is about taking our strong buying principles and blending them with an increase on strategic insight, customer focus, and stronger cross-functional collaboration to create a future-ready function that drives innovation and sustainable growth. 

At Halfords, cycling isn’t just what we do- it’s who we are. We develop and build with some of the most iconic brands in the industry, including Apollo, Carrera Voodoo and Boardman, and we’re passionate about delivering products and solutions that inspire riders everywhere. Right now, we’re investing in our people and expanding our team, creating opportunities for talented individuals to make a real impact. If you’re ready to help lead and shape the future of cycling, this is your chance. 

About the role 

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership and lead our adult mechanical bike proposition - a category that sits at the heart of our cycling offer. As a Category Buyer, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and driving our customer proposition and ranges, ensuring we deliver an exceptional offer that meets the needs of every rider. 

Working closely with the Head of Category, you’ll influence product strategy, pricing and supplier relationships, collaborating and influencing to build some of the best brands in the industry. You’ll be empowered to make decisions to deliver detailed Category plans that shape the market, working with UK and global partners, suppliers and factories, to deliver real innovation, quality and value. 

This isn’t just a buying role - it’s about creating experiences, driving trends and helping us stay ahead in a fast-moving industry. 

Key responsibilities 

• Own and develop the adult mechanical bike category, shaping a market-leading proposition both in terms of buying and creating align and joined up trading plans.  

• Build and grow strong relationships with our strategic supplier base to deliver true innovation and value. 

• Negotiate effectively to secure competitive pricing, promotional support and profitability targets. 

• Use data-driven insights to monitor performance and make informed decisions. 

• Collaborate with teams across eCommerce, Marketing and Supply Chain to bring Category plans to life. 

• Coach and guide Assistant Category Buyers to deliver sourcing plans effectively. 

About you 

• Experienced in Buying or Category Management within a fast-paced retail environment. 

• A confident negotiator with a track record of delivering commercial results. 

• Passionate about cycling and excited by the opportunity to develop market leading own brand ranges with experience in global sourcing and own-brand development. 

• Data-driven, customer-focused and commercially sharp. 
• A natural collaborator and leader who thrives on making an impact. 

Reward & benefits 

• A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave. 

• Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations. 

• We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home.  

• You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services.  

• Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords. 

Ready to get in the saddle?  

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family. 

At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.