Category Manager

Musgrave NI; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail company in Belfast is looking for a Category Manager to develop trading strategies and lead cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in a senior commercial role, proven leadership skills, and strong negotiation acumen. This position offers opportunities for career development and a collaborative working environment. The company values community and innovation, seeking a forward-thinking individual ready to make an impact.

Benefits

Career Development

Collaborative Environment

Innovation Focus

Community Focus

Qualifications

• 3 years+ of experience in a Senior Commercial position managing a significant Trading Portfolio.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop an appropriate trading strategy for the Category.
• Deliver the required operational and financial performance of the category.
• Develop excellent long-term supplier and retailer relationships.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Customer focus

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

People management

Commercial acumen

Job description

Category Manager (Buying) – Belfast

Join Our Family at Musgrave

Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses, with a 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. We support thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses and are committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland. We are looking for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to join us on this journey.

As we continue toward becoming Ireland’s most trusted and sustainable business, we have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to join our team as a Category Manager.

As part of the Growing Good Business Agenda, the role of Category Manager is to deliver a market-leading offer that meets consumer and retailer needs while improving overall profitability. This will be achieved through development of category strategies and by leading a cross-functional team responsible for designing and delivering this offer. These strategies will be delivered through strong supplier and retailer partnerships which enable effective sourcing and supply of products of the agreed quality, at optimum prices, in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Develop an appropriate trading strategy for the Category to achieve sustainable long-term revenue, margin, quality and market share growth targets in line with the overall business strategy
• Develop annual category plan, targets and budgets and approve sub-category plans with each Trading Manager
• Input and provide direction to the commercial strategy including the development of appropriate product ranges through Category Management Strategies which are consistent with the Company’s brand position and profit objectives
• Devise and implement appropriate operating processes, systems and procedures to ensure sustainable and consistent delivery of high quality, repeatable outputs and business results
• Deliver the required operational and financial performance of the category
• Develop excellent long-term supplier and retailer relationships through Joint Business Plans with suppliers and various retailer engagement activities including store visits, retailer meetings and forums
• Assess customer loyalty issues and identify ways to increase loyalty in line with Musgrave expectations
• Develop and deliver promotional activity in accordance with the promotional cycle in line with the Marketing/Commercial strategy of the business and category strategy
• Manage and engage the Category team ensuring all members have the necessary skill sets, resources and support to achieve objectives

Qualifications

• 3 years+ of progressive experience in a Senior Commercial position managing a significant Trading Portfolio with a proven track record of delivering a commercial strategy and exceptional results
• Proven people management and leadership experience
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and influencing skills with ability to interact at all levels and manage multiple commercial projects simultaneously
• Strong customer focus and commitment to customer service excellence
• Structured, organised and methodical with a deadline focus
• Track record of leading a cross-functional trading team focused on delivering commercial results in a fast-moving environment
• Extensive negotiation experience
• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Strong commercial acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly numerate with strong data analysis and interpretation

Nice to have

• Knowledge of the Northern Irish, Irish and UK grocery industry a distinct advantage
• Sound category management experience in the retail/wholesale trade

What we Offer or Why Musgrave

• Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers opportunities for advancement and learning.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team where your contributions will make a significant impact.
• Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward-thinking solutions.
• Community Focus: Be part of a company that values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
• Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long-standing commitment to community and innovation.
• Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of a forward-thinking company that values your expertise and vision.

Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.

Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.