Category Manager – Poole – Upto £45k DOE Our client is a fast-paced, global solutions provider famous for their fantastic customer service and end-to-end solutions - they help customers stay ahead in an ever-changing world. Due to their continued growth, they are looking for a Category Manager to join their forward-thinking team and help shape the future of their supplier partnerships, own-brand growth, and sustainability goals. Category Manager Responsibilities * Lead supplier management including supplier scoping, right-sizing, risk management, ESG and compliance oversight. * Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to secure the best pricing and rebate deals. * Develop a deep understanding of managed categories, creating annual category strategy packs with execution plans for GP improvement, savings, and consolidation. * Manage slow-moving stock and backlog with clear reduction strategies. * Lead price negotiations, track savings, and ensure delivery against personal and team KPIs. * Drive Own Brand product development and scaling, identifying growth opportunities and ensuring an effective, sustainable supply base. * Deliver new product developments and customer projects from R&D through to launch, including data sheets, tech packs, and quality control. * Work closely with our ESG team to ensure suppliers and products align with carbon neutral goals. * Ensure data and compliance information is accurate and up to date across all product systems. * Represent the business in customer meetings, presenting updates on product projects and pushing through new opportunities. * Support with tenders, including compliance, pricing, and written submissions. * Collaborate with Marketing on Own Brand strategies and product messaging. Experience for Category Manager * Experience working within hospitality, leisure industry preferred. * Understanding of key categories including paper hygiene, janitorial desirable (not essential) * Experience managing categories and delivering and executing strategic plans. * Understanding complex data sets and being able to analyse information to form data backed strategic plans and setting category targets. * Strong Excel skills. * Supplier management experience essential. * Understanding of product development and new product launches ideal. * Experience working to a critical path or project management Benefits * 22 days holiday rising after 2 years * Holiday buy-back scheme * Growth by sharing bonus scheme * Modern open-plan offices * Free lunch every Friday * Company sick pay * Company social and corporate events * Monthly Annual bonus structure This is a full time role – Mon – Fri – 08:00 – 17:00 Buying, procurement, FMCG, Category management