Category Manager

Eh Smith (builders Merchants) Ltd.; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Health Cash Plan

Workwear/PPE provided

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

EH Smith, a leading builder's merchants, is seeking an experienced Category Manager at our Head Office. You will drive commercial performance for designated product categories, shaping long-term strategies in pricing, procurement and supplier relations.

We value a commercially minded, results-driven professional with strong negotiation and analytical abilities, plus experience or exposure to Kerridge ERP, Phocas/Power BI, and Excel for data analysis.

Qualifications

• Proven track-record of delivering category plans with sustained profitable growth.
• Experience in building materials sector or equivalent multi-site distribution preferred.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for commercial performance of assigned product categories.
• Develop and implement long-term category, pricing and procurement strategies.
• Analyse sales data, market trends, customer behaviour and competitor activity.
• Negotiate supply agreements and manage supplier relationships.
• Own product file including cost, selling prices, terms and rebates.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, finance and branch teams on product info and promotions.
• Lead lifecycle management including range optimisation and NPD.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical

Stakeholder management

Excel

Power BI

Phocas

Kerridge ERP

Tools

Power BI

Phocas

Kerridge ERP

Job description

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Category Manager has become available at our Head Office, reporting to the Head of Commercial. The Category Manager will have responsibility for leading the commercial performance of assigned product categories, ensuring profitability and alignment with company strategy. This role drives category growth through planning, pricing, supplier relationships and cross-functional collaboration.

Person & Skills

Successful candidates should have a proven track-record of delivering category plans with sustained profitable growth, and experience within the building materials sector or an equivalent multi-site distribution business would be an advantage. Being commercially minded and results-focused, you will possess strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and translate business objectives into successful commercial outcomes. Knowledge of Excel and Phocas/Power BI data analysis tools along with Kerridge ERP systems would be beneficial.

• A competitive basic salary
• Company pension scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – Salary Sacrifice
• Company workwear/PPE provided
• Employee Assistance Programme

Key Tasks

• Take full accountability for the commercial performance of assigned product categories, ensuring targets/ performance criteria are achieved to meet objectives.
• Develop and implement long-term category, product, pricing, and procurement strategies to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Analyse sales data, market trends, customer behaviour, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and informed strategic decisions.
• Negotiate supply agreements and manage supplier relationships to deliver strong commercial outcomes along with measured service levels.
• Maintain full ownership of the product file, including cost prices, selling prices, technical data, terms (including price support), and rebates.
• Work collaboratively with sales, marketing, finance, and branch teams to communicate key product, pricing, supplier, and web/promotional information.
• Lead product lifecycle management, including range optimisation, new product development (NPD) and exit strategies for underperforming products/ranges.
• Collaborate with branches and operational teams to determine product ranges, stock locations, and appropriate stockholding levels.
• Forecast product demand and manage inventory levels to ensure supply continuity, stock availability, and minimise aged or excess stock.
• Represent the business with supplier networks, buying group committees, industry forums, ensuring compliance with company policies, governance standards, and legislation.

Other Support

• Employee Support Line
• Mental Health First Aiders

Location

Head Office

About Us

With over a century of experience in the construction industry, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchants. Our network of branches across the Midlands and South-East offer a wide range of building materials and expert advice to everyone from national housebuilders to local tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Whether it’s bricks and blocks, timber, landscaping supplies, or specialist products, we deliver with reliability and care. Our knowledgeable staff, responsive service and strong supply partnerships ensure our customers can depend on us to keep their projects moving forward.

We have a deep-rooted commitment to our people and communities, and giving back is core to who we are. Each year we donate a portion of our profits to the EH Smith Charitable Trust, supporting local charities and not-for-profit organisations that make a real difference in the communities we serve.

Our People

At the heart of our business are our colleagues, and that’s why we champion a people-first culture that is caring, respectful and genuinely supportive. We prioritise our colleagues’ well-being and growth, fostering a culture where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

We believe that learning never stops, and so we actively invest in the development of our colleagues, providing opportunities to grow and thrive in an inclusive, positive environment. Whether someone is just starting their journey with us or looking to take the next step, we provide the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to help them grow and thrive.

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Category Manager has become available at our Head Office, reporting to the Head of Commercial.