Category Manager

TN United Kingdom; Redditch; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to drive profitable growth and execute category strategies. This role is pivotal in maximizing gross margins and requires a high level of commercial acumen. You will collaborate with key stakeholders, analyze market trends, and define pricing strategies while managing supplier relationships. Join a forward-thinking company that values customer insights and fosters an inclusive workplace culture. If you're ready to make an impact in a fast-paced environment and lead a team to success, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Buying is essential.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Maximize Gross Margin within defined product categories.
• Develop category plans and execute promotional campaigns.

Skills

Commercial Acumen

Category Management

Procurement

Customer Focus

Negotiation Skills

Leadership

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Engagement

Automotive Aftermarket Knowledge

Job description

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At Halfords, our mission is to inspire and support a lifetime of motoring and cycling. As a specialist retailer, we lead the market through customer-driven innovation and a distinct product range. We are dedicated to providing our customers with an integrated, unique, and convenient service experience—from e-bike and electric vehicle servicing to on-demand solutions. Our commitment is to foster customer loyalty by offering compelling reasons to keep coming back to our stores, ensuring a lifetime of motoring and cycling enjoyment.

The teams at our Redditch Support Centre work with every other area of our business, putting them at the heart of the action and playing a key role in our success and growth. Everyone brings their individual knowledge and experience to work every day, working as one team to keep things moving smoothly.

If you’re willing to get stuck in, you’ll love it here too. So put yourself at the heart of a dynamic, fast-paced working environment where expertise and focus take people far.

About the role

Halfords Autocentres are on a strong growth trajectory, with ambitions to be a £1bn business in 3 years. This role is vital to the delivery of the category strategy. The Category Manager will be expected to become an expert within their area, working closely with key stakeholders to fully execute the category plan and driving profitable growth.

You will be responsible for maximising Gross Margin within a defined group of products or categories, using all levers available to increase sales and margin, alongside supporting development of category strategy to drive future competitive advantage and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer & Market Insight – Keep customer needs central to decision-making, collaborate with marketing & customer teams, analyse market trends, competition, and opportunities to drive sales and profit.
• Category & Brand Strategy – Develop and manage category plans, brand selection, product mix, and range reviews to ensure a competitive, high-quality offering.
• Pricing & Promotions – Define pricing strategy, optimize gross margin, conduct competitive benchmarking, and execute impactful promotional campaigns.
• Product & Supplier Management – Identify and launch new products, negotiate supplier agreements, and ensure compliance with ESG, CSR, and ethical trading policies.
• Cost & Profit Optimisation – Conduct price benchmarking, manage procurement, maximize rebate agreements, and optimize spend to enhance profitability.
• Supplier Performance & Compliance – Set and track supplier service levels, address performance issues, and implement supplier trading agreements to maintain quality and competitiveness.

Skills and Experience

• High level of commercial acumen
• Previous experience of either Category Management, Procurement or Buying
• Customer focused; skilled at identifying customer needs
• Skilled negotiator with experience managing large and complex supplier relationships
• Ability to manage direct reports and inspire all colleagues around them
• Able to interact effectively with Leadership Team
• Able to analyse and interpret large amounts of data and make fact based decisions
• Strong engagement skills, with ability to bring key stakeholders along with them
• Previous knowledge of automotive aftermarket or able to demonstrate an understanding of the industry

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.

At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days per week on-site at our support centre in Redditch Worcestershire.