Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Category Manager dedicated to delivering exceptional service and driving strategic growth. In this role, you will develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy for your categories, ensuring alignment with financial targets while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. The company offers a collaborative work environment, ample opportunities for career advancement, and a range of benefits including generous employee discounts and health services. If you're ready to make a significant impact and grow your career, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Discretionary Bonus

Voluntary Benefits

Health and Wellbeing Services

Employee Discounts

Retirement Savings Plan

Life Assurance

Enhanced Leave Policies

Qualifications

• Experience in category management with a track record of delivering customer-focused ranges.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience in procurement roles.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead the business plan for allocated categories to drive growth.
• Negotiate supplier trading agreements and analyze category performance.

Skills

Category Management

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Customer Focus

Stakeholder Management

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Tools

Database Systems

Job description

Stark

A leading building materials distributor in Northern Europe, is looking for a Category Manager who is as passionate about great service as we are.

We provide a fulfilling and enjoyable work environment with ample opportunities for career growth, along with a competitive salary, staff discount, life assurance, and 34 days of holiday (inclusive of bank holidays).

What you'll be doing:

With the support of the Commercial/Category Director and/or Senior Category Manager, create and lead the business plan for allocated categories of responsibility to drive strategic & tactical growth of the categories to support the delivery of the budgeted sales and profit target.

Deliver product ranges and terms that meet the requirements of our internal and external customers providing 'all the products to do the job' whilst delivering the required company financial targets.

You will be required to:

1. Own, create, and deliver 2-3-year strategy for responsible category areas that deliver the customer project proposition whilst meeting company commercial sale and profit targets.
2. Be recognized as the first line of contact for allocated categories for all internal and external stakeholders.
3. Negotiate and deliver all supplier trading agreements in line with group goals and initiatives.
4. Continuously analyze category performance and key drivers, identifying opportunities for improvement. Generate reports and recommendations on Ranging, Pricing, Sales, Plans, and Promotions.
5. Understand and demonstrate awareness of the Group and UK sustainability agenda, including impacts on scope 3 emissions, packaging, and product circularity.
6. Work closely with relevant STARK UK and regional and central functions, making recommendations for improvements and supporting branches to make informed local decisions.
7. Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
8. Collaborate with STARK Group peers on Group category initiatives.

What you'll need to have:

1. Successful experience in category management, with a track record of delivering ranges that meet customer project needs across multiple product categories while achieving financial targets.
2. Proven negotiation skills and experience in end-to-end category management or procurement roles.
3. Customer-focused with a strong understanding of company targets, customer needs, competitor landscape, and market dynamics.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office and database systems.
5. Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.
6. Ability to work independently or as part of a team, managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
7. Determined, driven, and accountable, with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
8. Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across various levels and functions.
9. Confident in presenting to board-level audiences and suppliers.
10. Effective at building collaborative relationships and adapting communication styles.
11. Willing to contribute to non-core commercial activities and support team development.
12. Experience in coaching and supporting junior team members, with or without direct line management responsibilities.

What's in it for you:

• Discretionary bonus
• Wide range of voluntary benefits including holiday buying, discounted gym membership, car salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle2Work, Benenden Healthcare, and more.
• Access to health and wellbeing services, including online GP appointments and mental health support.
• Generous employee discounts with high street and online retailers.
• Retirement savings plan
• Life assurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave

Why STARK?

We're proud to be part of STARK Building Materials UK, dedicated to providing top-quality products and exceptional service. We are a friendly, collaborative team passionate about our work and committed to excellence.

If you're ready to advance your career and join a team that values great service, we want to hear from you. Apply today!

What's next...

If successful, our recruitment team will contact you to arrange an interview and answer any questions. We are open to discussing part-time and job share options and providing reasonable adjustments during the application process.

Stark Building Materials UK is a Ban the Box employer and will consider applicants with criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis.