Your newpany
Your new role
We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Category Manager to take full ownership of multiple product categories. In this role, you will be responsible for range planning strategy and execution across your categories – optimising product assortment, leading the go-to-market strategy for new product launches, identifying and onboarding new suppliers, owning product life cycles, and ultimately driving improvements to revenue and margin. You’ll work closely with marketing, operations, and sales teams to drive category performance and expansion. Your outstanding analytical andmercial acumen will be vital in ensuring we continue to offer our customers outstanding value-for-money and market-leading choice, whilst returning healthy profits and sustainable growth.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strongmercial and analytical mindset, and a proven track record in category management, buying, or merchandising, ideally within the KBB (Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom) industry or similar.
1. Category Strategy: Develop and implementprehensive range-planning strategies, covering pricing, promotions, and product life cycles.
2. Supplier Management: Manage and nurture supplier relationships, onboard new suppliers and conduct high-level negotiations to securepetitive terms.
3. Financial Performance: Monitor financial performance to ensure optimal margin and revenue performance and make data-driven decisions on product discontinuations and range adjustments.
4. Market Analysis: Identify new opportunities and stay ahead of market trends andpetitor activities.
5. Customer Focus: Enhance customer experience by aligning product offerings with customer needs and preferences.
6. Product Launch: Lead the go-to-market strategy for new products, ensuring high value for money and strong customer appeal.
7. People Management: Manage and support team members as required, fostering a collaborative work environment.
8. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, and sales teams to optimise category performance.
9. Pricing Strategy: Develop and implementpetitive pricing strategies, considering market conditions andpetitor pricing.
10. Supplier Visits: Travel both within the UK and abroad to visit suppliers and factories, scope out new suppliers, and assess new products.
What you'll need to succeed
11. Experience: 5+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising, preferably within a fast-paced and high-volume retail environment.
12. Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships effectively.
13. Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in the KBB industry or similar retail sectors essential.
14. Strongmercial awareness with a proven track record of delivering profitable category growth.
15. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse market trends, customer behaviour, and financial data to inform strategic decisions.
16. Excellent interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and lead supplier negotiations effectively.
What you'll get in return
17. Friendly and casual work environment, great people culture and supportive manager
18. Incredibly flexible remote work policy or be in the office as often as you like – you decide!
19. Strong opportunities for growth and career progression
20. Excellent employee welfare and benefits including flexible work environment, team andpany socials, free fruit and healthy snacks, dog-friendly office and more!