Category Manager

Aspire Jobs Limited; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable family-run business in Poole is seeking a Category Manager to oversee supplier management and category planning. The role requires senior buying and procurement experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a commercial mindset. Benefits include a competitive salary with bonuses, growth opportunities, and various company perks.

Benefits

22 days holiday rising after 2 years

Holiday buy-back scheme

Pension

On-site parking

Free lunch every Friday

Qualifications

• Senior buying/procurement experience at high level required.
• Superb Excel and data-analysis skills necessary.
• Commercial mindset and entrepreneurial spirit sought.

Responsibilities

• Manage suppliers and oversee supplier relationships.
• Create annual category strategy for GP improvement.
• Conduct price negotiation and manage savings targets.

Skills

Senior buying/procurement experience

Excel and data-analysis experience

Relationship building with suppliers

Strategic category management experience

Commercially minded

Self-starter

Job description

Location: Poole

Hours: Monday Friday, 8am-5pm office based

Salary: £45k DOE + Co bonus paid monthly and annually

Benefits: 22 days rising after 2 years, Holiday buy‑back scheme, Pension, Growth by sharing bonus scheme, on‑site parking, Modern open‑plan offices, Free lunch every Friday, Company sick pay, company social and corporate events, monthly + annual bonus structure, training provided.

NOTE: You must drive and have your own car for this role.

Aspire Jobs are delighted to be working with our client who are a well‑established family‑run business on a growth trajectory and who are now looking to recruit a Category Manager to join their hardworking team at their office based in Poole, Dorset.

This role will see you working across multiple categories, with a positive approach where you can consolidate, de‑risk and project manage that category. You will naturally have a very customer‑centric approach to your work.

Key Requirements

• Senior buying/procurement experience at high level (FMCG or high-volume component parts as an example)
• Able to work at fast pace with high SKUs
• Real ownership/ can do mindset
• Superb Excel and data‑analysis experience
• Ability to build relationships confidently with suppliers
• Strategic category or project management experience from a procurement background
• Commercially minded and entrepreneurial
• Good with systems
• Self‑starter, able to think for yourself on a daily basis
• Ability to prioritise and manage your own workload
• Some travel will be required

Job Duties

• Supplier Management including supplier scoping, right sizing and risk management
• Relationship building with strategic suppliers
• Category Planning: complete annual category strategy pack with execution plan for GP improvement, savings and consolidation projects that are road‑mapped and tracked through to delivery in line with business and team goals
• Understand slow‑moving lines and backlog of stock with plan of how to reduce
• Price negotiation and tracking of savings and consolidation targets achieved
• Looking for opportunities within the categories to grow and scale your own brand product offer
• Understanding the volumes and product requirements to ensure the right supply base is used effectively
• Create data sheets and tech packs to maintain control over IP on new products introduced to the range
• Oversee all quality control of new products to ensure standards and expectations are met on first deliveries

This role would suit someone with senior buying, procurement, purchasing experience.