Category Manager

MacGregor Black; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wholesale company in the UK is seeking a Category Manager focused on Tobacco and related categories. This permanent role in Greater London requires strong commercial judgement, supplier negotiation experience, and management of a key category to enhance profitability and compliance. Ideal candidates will thrive in fast-paced and regulated environments, driving successful trading outcomes and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Experience within FMCG and a regulated category (ideally Tobacco).
• Proven track record in trading margins and compliance.
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to make data-led decisions.

Responsibilities

• Managing category to deliver targets for sales and profitability.
• Building supplier relationships and negotiating pricing.
• Overseeing compliance and developing category plans.

Skills

Commercial judgement

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Education

Experience in Buying, Trading or Category role

Job description

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Recruitment Consultant for global roles within the Beverage Industry at MacGregor Black.

Category Manager - Nicotine & Related Categories

Are you a commercially driven buyer or trader with strong experience in regulated or age-restricted categories?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, margin-focused environment where compliance and supplier partnerships are key?

Looking to step into a role with one of the UK’s leading wholesale businesses and take real ownership of your category?

MacGregor Black are recruiting for one of our clients in the wholesale sector, for a Category Manager (Tobacco) to join their team. This is a Permanent role in London, that requires 5 days a week on site.

This is a key commercial role focused on delivering margin and revenue through effective buying, pricing, supplier negotiation and promotional execution – ideal for someone used to trading in a regulated and fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing your category to deliver against targets for sales, margin and profitability

• Developing category plans that support both the wholesale business and its retail partners

• Building supplier relationships and negotiating pricing, promotional plans and income

• Overseeing compliance, ranging and pricing within legal and business frameworks

• Leading the delivery of seasonal campaigns, POS and retail execution initiatives

• Analysing market data, commercial performance and promotional effectiveness

• Driving balance across branded and own-label offerings

• Supporting and mentoring Category Assistants to deliver admin and executional tasks

What We're Looking For:

• Experience in a Buying, Trading, or Category role within FMCG – ideally within Tobacco, Vaping, or another regulated category

• Excellent commercial judgement with a strong understanding of trading margins

• Confident negotiator with proven supplier relationship management skills

• Able to balance compliance with commercial outcomes

• Data-led decision maker who can translate insights into action

• Strong communicator who thrives in a cross-functional, fast-moving environment

• Tenacious, structured, and results-oriented

We are committed to being a fair and inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments to support you in the interview process, please let us know.

Salary: Up to £55k (DOE) + benefits & bonus

Apply via the ad, or contact Kieron Hall at MacGregor Black for a more in-depth chat.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Purchasing

• Industries

  Tobacco Manufacturing and Retail

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