How did you go about getting your current job?
I went on college placement for six months as a product developer which really showed me what career path I could go down as my degree was very broad. This helped me gain experience in the food and drinks industry. I started a full-time job as an own brand analyst after college and then eventually applied for the Musgrave Graduate Programme.
I wanted to work for a company that had the same values as me and the Musgrave Graduate Programme was exactly what I needed and the best career decision I have made.
Describe a typical day?
Buying, known as Trading within Musgrave, is very fast paced, and every day is different, from daily deadlines internally, to meetings with suppliers, focusing on a strong promotional plan for my category and driving sales as well as looking daily at commercials.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
- Supplier engagement around the product category I manage
- Working with sales and marketing to drive sales
- Promotional and social media plans
- Watching current trends
- Reviewing planograms for stores. A planogram is a schematic plan or drawing which is used for displaying merchandise so our retail partners can maximise sales
- Commercial targets and profitability
- Working on handbills, Big bets and Supplier Joint Business Plans. Big bets are strategic projects or initiatives that we believe will drive profits for all our stakeholders as well as providing us with a competitive advantage in our sector
- Invoicing
What’s cool?
Working on new and exciting projects with suppliers such as exclusivity lines
What’s not so cool?
Not taking time to reflect on your achievements
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Economics and Business have helped to have a commercial understanding.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
BIS in college as excel is very important. I took BSC in Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship in UCC which was a very broad course. I got great experience in product development, commercial experience in accounting and business experience through economics and I won the University College Cork new food product innovation Dragons’ Den.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
Graduating from the Musgrave Graduate Programme and becoming an Assistant Trading Manager in Spirits. I have launched products such as Graham Norton’s gin and Tanora gin. I developed relations with local Irish suppliers and getting exclusivity lines with distilleries, such as Ballykeefe and Clonakilty distillery.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I am a people person and work well in a team. Listening to others and giving your point of view is essential for the best outcome for all.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Hard work, passion for your category, having a focus for what you want to achieve and keeping on top of new trends to really drive your area.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
- Collaboration skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Organisational skills
- Hard working