Category Manager

hays-gcj-v4-pd-online; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced Category Manager to take ownership of multiple product categories, driving strategy and performance. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing supplier relationships to enhance customer value and profitability. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, a proven track record in category management, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.

Benefits

Friendly and casual work environment

Flexible remote work policy

Opportunities for growth and career progression

Excellent employee welfare and benefits

Dog-friendly office

Qualifications

• 5+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising.
• Experience within fast-paced retail environments preferred.
• Strong commercial awareness with a proven track record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement range-planning strategies.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate competitive terms.
• Monitor financial performance to optimize revenue and margin.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Commercial Awareness

Job description

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 and commercial 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.

Your company

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 and commercial 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 strong commercial and analytical mindset, and a proven track record in category management, buying, or merchandising, ideally within the KBB (Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom) industry or similar.

• Category Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive range-planning strategies, covering pricing, promotions, and product life cycles.
• Supplier Management: Manage and nurture supplier relationships, onboard new suppliers, and conduct high-level negotiations to secure competitive terms.
• Financial Performance: Monitor financial performance to ensure optimal margin and revenue performance and make data-driven decisions on product discontinuations and range adjustments.
• Market Analysis: Identify new opportunities and stay ahead of market trends and competitor activities.
• Customer Focus: Enhance customer experience by aligning product offerings with customer needs and preferences.
• Product Launch: Lead the go-to-market strategy for new products, ensuring high value for money and strong customer appeal.
• People Management: Manage and support team members as required, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, and sales teams to optimise category performance.
• Pricing Strategy: Develop and implement competitive pricing strategies, considering market conditions and competitor pricing.
• 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

• Experience: 5+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising, preferably within a fast-paced and high-volume retail environment.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships effectively.
• Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in the KBB industry or similar retail sectors essential.
• Strong commercial awareness with a proven track record of delivering profitable category growth.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse market trends, customer behaviour, and financial data to inform strategic decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and lead supplier negotiations effectively.

What you'll get in return

• Friendly and casual work environment, great people culture, and supportive management
• Incredibly flexible remote work policy or be in the office as often as you like – you decide!
• Strong opportunities for growth and career progression
• Excellent employee welfare and benefits including flexible work environment, team and company socials, free fruit and healthy snacks, dog-friendly office, and more!

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Created on 30/06/2025 by TN United Kingdom