Are you ready to gain international experience whilst maintaining residency in the UK? The Category Manager role is a pivotal, strategic position, managing end-to-end category performance across multiple brands. Reporting to the Director of Trading for Ireland, you'll work closely with the wider Trading teams both in the UK and in Ireland, leading initiatives that drive growth, deliver on our customer promise, and support the Boots Ireland strategic objectives.
You will lead our Personal Care and Seasonal categories, working on ranges as diverse as toiletries, Suncare, and Xmas gifts.
1. Oversee and deliver the annual budget and strategic plan for the Category in Ireland, driving both sales and profitability targets.
2. Lead the development and execution of the category strategy, using market and customer insights to inform decisions on range, promotions, pricing, and supplier partnerships.
3. Build and manage strong relationships with main suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, securing investment, and driving joint business plans.
4. Collaborate cross-functionally with supply, finance, marketing, and store operations to land category initiatives effectively in-store and online.
5. Champion the customer — ensuring our proposition meets evolving needs through a compelling, competitive, and differentiated offer.
6. Analyse category and market performance, providing regular reporting and actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders.
7. Identify and land new product development and exclusive propositions ahead of the market, positioning Boots Ireland as a destination of choice.
8. Represent Boots Ireland at supplier meetings and industry events, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of market trends and regulatory developments.
9. Build close relationships with Boots UK teams, aligning on strategy where appropriate and adapting plans for the Irish market.
10. Provide leadership and mentorship to the Assistant Category Manager and wider team.
Proven experience as a Category Manager or similar role within a retail trading or buying function.
Commercial acumen with experience delivering sales growth and managing budgets.
Experience in negotiation and supplier management, with the ability to build long-term partnerships.
Analytical experience interpreting data to drive decisions and confidence using Excel.
Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
Organisation, resilience, and prioritisation of tasks.
Passionate and committed to keeping the customer at the heart of decision making.
Experience working cross-market or in a matrix environment, aligning local and central strategies.
Familiarity with Irish and UK retail markets.
At Boots, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all.
Benefits include:
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Generous employee discounts
* Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for expecting or adopting parents
* Flexible benefits scheme including options to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes, and more
* Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme
Find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Exclusions may apply, eligible roles only. Please note, salary estimates on third-party sites are not endorsed by Boots and may be inaccurate.
#J-18808-Ljbffr