Category Manager

Inizio Engage; Breckland District; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to join their Trading team. This role offers the opportunity to leverage your expertise in Category Management to introduce innovative strategies and maximize product categories. You will be responsible for managing a significant supplier portfolio, driving turnover, and achieving departmental KPIs. Your ability to influence and negotiate with suppliers, along with strong analytical skills, will be key to your success. This position promises to be both challenging and rewarding, providing a platform for you to make a tangible impact in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Category Management with strong negotiation skills.
• Experience in the building materials sector is preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier categories to meet KPIs and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Trading team to support company objectives.

Skills

Category Management

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Relationship Building

Problem-Solving Skills

Commercial Trading Experience

Digital Trading Experience

Teamwork

Education

CIPS Qualification

Equivalent Experience

Tools

MS Office

Excel (Pivot Tables)

Job description

Our client is in search of a skilled Category Manager to join their Trading team.

As a Category Manager, you will leverage your experience to introduce new ideas and best practices, helping to advance their category management strategy.

You will be responsible for influencing and maximizing existing product categories, as well as identifying new product and supplier opportunities for the growing membership.

Reporting directly to the Head of Trading, you will manage a significant supplier portfolio and be tasked with driving turnover while working towards the department's KPIs. Interaction with suppliers and members, negotiating, developing positive relationships, strategic thinking, and strong analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

Job Summary

• Manage and develop supplier categories aligned with strategic objectives.
• Ensure categories meet KPIs and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Trading team to support company objectives.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers to grow turnover.
• Organize and facilitate commodity committee meetings.
• Participate in company and industry events.
• Work with department heads and directors to achieve strategic goals.
• Produce timely, accurate management reports.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Category Management with a proven track record.
• Experience managing workload and working within a team.
• Industry qualifications such as CIPS or equivalent experience.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Established relationships within the industry.
• Ability to build stakeholder relationships across teams.
• Problem-solving skills in a professional manner.
• Commercial and digital trading experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel with pivot tables.
• Good presentation skills for forums and seminars.
• Experience in the building materials sector is preferred but not essential.
• Knowledge of the building materials industry is advantageous but not required.

Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude and drive.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication across all levels.
• Target-oriented with excellent time management.