Job Description
Category Manager
Salary: Competitive salary DOE + Bonus, Car Allowance & Benefits
Location: Leicester (hybrid & flexible working available)
Employment: Full Time, Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Category Manager to join a well-established organisation operating within the building and construction products sector. Working as part of a collaborative Trading function, you will play a key role in shaping category strategy, developing supplier relationships, and driving commercial growth across a diverse portfolio.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded category professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys influencing stakeholders, building strong industry relationships, and using data-led insights to deliver meaningful results.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will take full ownership of a defined product category, responsible for commercial performance, supplier development, and strategic planning. You will identify new supplier and product opportunities, negotiate commercial terms, and ensure category KPIs are consistently achieved.
This role would suit someone with strong experience in building materials, construction, interiors, or adjacent product categories, who brings a blend of relationship management, commercial acumen, and analytical capability.
Category Manager Responsibilities:
* Manage and develop product categories in line with strategic objectives
* Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to drive growth and commercial performance
* Identify new product and supplier opportunities to support business expansion
* Influence suppliers to adopt digital tools and improved processes to increase efficiency
* Coordinate and lead category meetings, updates, and reporting
* Attend relevant industry events to build networks and represent the business
* Produce accurate management reports and ensure category KPIs are met
* Work closely with internal teams to support wider commercial strategy
Category Manager Requirements:
* Significant experience in Category Management within the building, construction, interiors, timber, HVAC or related product sectors
* Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to drive category performance
* Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
* Strong analytical capability with confidence in Excel (pivot tables essential); experience with Power BI/PHOCAS is a bonus
* Exceptional relationship-building skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholders
* Confident communicator with strong presentation skills
* Highly organised, proactive, and able to operate independently when required
Category Manager Benefits:
* Competitive salary £50,000 – £55,000 (dependent on experience)
* Annual performance-related bonus
* Full ownership of a high-impact product category with the autonomy to influence strategy
* Opportunity to work with major suppliers across the UK and build a strong industry network
* A highly supportive environment with strong investment in personal development
* Opportunities for ongoing development and progression
To Be Considered:
Please either apply by clicking online or emailing me directly at Charlie.doyle@hirecracker.com. For further information, please call 01244 739 301 or 07736 920 086. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit your application to our client for this vacancy only.
Key Skills: Category Manager, Category Lead, Senior Buyer, Supplier Management, Negotiation, Building Materials, Construction Products, Timber, HVAC, Interiors, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Trading, Hirecracker, HCOperations