Category Manager

MacGregor Black; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

MacGregor Black is partnering with a leading wholesale and retail business to recruit a Category Manager based in Leeds. The role requires experienced Category Management within FMCG, Wholesale or Foodservice, with a track record in developing category strategies that drive sales, margin and profitability.

The successful candidate will negotiate with suppliers, manage relationships, and lead Joint Business Planning, driving promotions and portfolio optimization across categories.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG, Wholesale or Foodservice.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver category strategies.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies that maximise sales, margin and profit performance.
• Manage supplier relationships and lead Joint Business Planning initiatives.
• Drive ranging, pricing and promotional strategies across assigned categories.
• Negotiate supplier funding, marketing support and commercial agreements.
• Analyse category performance, market trends and customer data to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop own-brand strategies and optimise category portfolios.
• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to ensure successful category execution.
• Support and develop Category Assistants within the team.

Skills

Category management

Supplier negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Job description

Are you an experienced Category Manager with a strong background in FMCG, Wholesale or Foodservice?

Do you have a track record of developing category strategies that drive sales, margin and profitability?

Are you a commercially minded negotiator who enjoys building strong supplier relationships and delivering growth?

MacGregor Black are partnering with a leading wholesale and retail business on the search for a Category Manager. This is a permanent role based in Leeds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver category strategies that maximise sales, margin and profit performance.
• Manage supplier relationships and lead Joint Business Planning initiatives.
• Drive ranging, pricing and promotional strategies across assigned categories.
• Negotiate supplier funding, marketing support and commercial agreements.
• Analyse category performance, market trends and customer data to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop own-brand strategies and optimise category portfolios.
• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to ensure successful category execution.
• Support and develop Category Assistants within the team.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proven Category Management, Buying or Commercial experience within FMCG, Wholesale or Foodservice.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience creating and delivering successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into commercial action.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Commercially driven with a results-focused mindset.