Posted: 15 June
The role
<
Buying / Category Manager - Grocery
Job ref: 30941 Category: Product/Trading
Salary Competitive Location Equity House, Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough Contract Type Permanent Hours 38 Closing Date 19 June, 2026 Business Unit Booker Group Share
,
Equity House, Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough NN8 1LT
About the role
We are seeking a driven and commercially minded Category Manager to join our Grocery team. In this role, you will play a key part in maximising the profitability of specified product categories, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving cash profit across the business.
As Category Manager, you will take ownership of category performance, using insight, analysis, and market understanding to shape strategy, optimise ranges, and deliver sustainable growth. You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure our offer remains competitive, relevant, and aligned with customer needs.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced wholesale/retail environment and is ready to make a measurable impact.
This role can be based out of Wellingborough, Eccles or Watford
Main Responsibilities
The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.Growth of own brand business, sourcing as appropriate to grow sales and margins.Annual negotiation with suppliers to ensure competitive terms year on year.Seek and react to customer feedback at every opportunity, shaping the category plan, whilst linking to the sell plan and customer satisfaction.Responds to customer queries and complaints professionally, at speed.Be able to communicate category plans and objectives for relevant product categories, ensuring understanding and buy-in is achieved.Ensure product area in the business centres reflect the principles of good, better and best.Working as part of the team to identify opportunities and develop or improve ways of working.Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion.You will need
Operational skills relevant for this job
Exceptional communication & stakeholder management.Be able to work independently, to problem solve and make commercial decisions.Attention to detail, writing of reports, interpreting data and keeping of accurate records.Maintain knowledge of relevant markets and market developments.Ability to flex work approach.Experience relevant for this job:
Previous experience buying fresh products desiredExtensive experience in working in FMG Have a proven record of working autonomously.Have experience of development and management of marketing campWhat's in it for you
At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:
A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover ratesAn exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual payHealth and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.A great holiday package
