Robert Yugoda

I held full commercial responsibility for multiple hard goods categories, including rucksacks, active equipment, tents, wet accessories and food, working closely with merchandising, technical and supply partners across the business. • Owned categories worth approximately £13m (Spring/Summer) and £7m (Autumn/Winter), with end-to-end responsibility from range build through to trade • Delivered an average 7% cost reduction on SS24 continuity products through supplier negotiation and re-sourcing • Re-sourced key best-selling products away from underperforming suppliers, securing a further 10% saving across the range • Line-managed Buying Admin Assistants and Assistant Buyers, supporting development, prioritisation and day-to-day trade activity • Led range sign-offs and chaired weekly trade meetings, driving timely commercial decisions and performance reviews • Developed new products with Far East suppliers and explored alternative sourcing opportunities in India

Responsible for sourcing, selecting and trading product ranges across gardening equipment and gifting categories, supporting growth across ecommerce channels. • Sourced and launched new product lines aligned to customer demand and margin targets • Negotiated supplier terms to improve commercial performance and profitability • Worked closely with Ecommerce teams to improve online merchandising, presentation and conversion • Managed supplier relationships and delivery timelines to ensure availability and stock flow

Worked at the intersection of Buying, Marketing and Trading to plan, analyse and deliver promotional activity across online channels. • Built and maintained the promotional trade plan in collaboration with senior Buying and Marketing stakeholders • Analysed weekly trade performance to identify risks, opportunities and trading actions • Delivered insight-led reporting and recap presentations using Omniture and MicroStrategy

Acted as a central liaison between Ocado and M&S Buying teams, supporting product governance, change control and day-to-day commercial operations. • Led weekly change-control meetings across Ocado and M&S stakeholders • Managed new line approvals, delists, product changes and supplier issues • Resolved product data and website copy discrepancies to protect customer experience • Maintained trackers and governance processes to ensure clear communication and accountability

Supported buying and trading activity across Flowers, Balloons and Gifts, working within a fast-paced ecommerce environment. • Supported range strategy planning and category development • Analysed performance using Tableau and Google Analytics • Built SKU-level price vs volume trackers to support trading decisions • Improved online customer journey through updated copy, imagery and categorisation

Progressed through Trainee Buyer, Buying Admin Assistant and Assistant Buyer roles across UK and Central European markets, gaining broad exposure to large-scale retail buying and category management. • Progressed from Trainee Buyer to Assistant Buyer across Toys, Luggage, Sports, Car Care, DIY and Camping categories • Owned a sub-category within luggage, managing character-licensed suitcases, backpacks and holdalls • Negotiated costs for ranged and promotional lines across UK and Central European supply bases • Developed own-label products with Technical teams, ensuring ethical sourcing and quality standards • Identified range gaps and sourced new suppliers to strengthen category performance • Worked cross-functionally with Licensing, Dropship and Customer Fulfilment teams on the Star Wars personalisation project • Partnered with Customer Proposition teams to make decisions grounded in customer insight • Supported and upskilled new starters on buying systems and processes