Division: Group Buying
Reports To: Category Manager
Based: Normanton
Hours of Work: Full time on a fixed-term contract
Role Specification
The role is based in Normanton. The Product Manager will be required to travel to other Group locations to work alongside colleagues and for external meetings as appropriate (including internationally).
Role Objective
The product manager will be responsible for ensuring the Group has a well-constructed, competitive range of products for the different sales channels. Commercial success is critical. The role involves constant contact with the supplier base and managing product relationships across various disciplines. They will act as a link between departments and suppliers, managing relationships to benefit EVO and engage suppliers in Group opportunities.
Responsibilities Will Include But Will Not Be Limited To
* Negotiate with suppliers for the best business packages, including rebates, MDF, and targets
* Support the Category Manager in building category plans to support revenue and profit growth
* Understand category, competitors, suppliers, and market dynamics
* Develop knowledge of UK and Irish market trends to define vendor and SKU ranges
* Collaborate with Purchasing to develop private label ranges from UK, European, and international suppliers
* Manage product ranges to ensure alignment with sales channels, including launching new lines and removing obsolete ones
* Identify and develop long-term suppliers in line with business strategy
* Source, evaluate, and select new products for approval, considering commercial aspects
* Perform due diligence on new suppliers per Responsible Procurement policy, coordinating with Compliance
* Manage the process of bringing new products to market, including internal communication and external publications
* Handle supplier housekeeping: setup, pricing, stock, rebates, and queries
* Report on supplier performance and manage communication for improvements
* Contribute to sustainable procurement and CSR objectives
* Monitor product and supplier compliance with company terms and EU/UK certifications
* Support Product Marketing with funding and contractual negotiations
* Assist in completing competitive tenders and resolve supplier issues
* Build strong relationships with key suppliers and communicate EVO’s strategic direction
* Prioritize activities that influence profitability
Person Specification
* Understanding of legal implications and regulatory knowledge
* Excellent time management and goal-focused work ethic
* Professional communication skills, capable of working with senior contacts
* Ability to manage confidential business data
Other Qualifications or Experience
* Attention to detail
* Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
* Experience with international product purchasing and developing supplier relationships
* Ability to construct product ranges for diverse customer bases
* Project planning skills for product introduction and transfer
* Strong numeracy and data presentation skills
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Desirable Qualifications or Experience
* Knowledge of the business supplies and services industry
The Company
evo - a powerhouse of brands.
evo Group is the UK and Ireland's largest multi-channel business supplies distributor, operating distribution centers nationwide with extensive logistics capabilities, including hundreds of own delivery vehicles, ensuring efficient delivery of essential goods nationwide.
We recognize that our people are central to our culture and employ over 2,000 staff across our leading brands: VOW Wholesale, VOW Ireland, Banner, Complete, Premvan, Truline, and Staples.
The Benefits
* Flexible working
* Pension contributions
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* State-of-the-art IT equipment
* Volunteer days
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