Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Category Managers to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction. This role involves developing strategic category plans, negotiating with suppliers, and leading a dynamic team to drive business success. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this innovative firm offers a supportive environment and career progression opportunities. If you're ready to elevate your buying career and make a significant impact in the wholesale sector, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

Colleague discount card

Health and wellbeing support

Retirement savings plan

Life assurance coverage

Free eye tests

Discounted RAC breakdown cover

Cycle-to-work scheme

Competitive holiday package

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in FMG and within a buying team.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage marketing campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans to meet sales and profit targets.
• Negotiate annually with suppliers for favorable terms.
• Lead the category team and manage performance.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Data Interpretation

Market Knowledge

Job description

About the role

Are you ready to take your buying career to the next level?

We have several vacancies for Category Managers at Booker, based at our Support Centres in Wellingborough, Watford, or Eccles.

The role involves maximizing profitability of product categories, enhancing customer satisfaction, and increasing cash profit.

Join us to make a difference and help position Booker as the wholesaler of choice! Apply today.

What is in it for you

At Booker, we offer a great working environment and career progression opportunities, along with a comprehensive benefits package:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most Tesco purchases for four days after each pay day, thirteen times a year, plus discounts at Tesco Cafe and F&F.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM-only deals with Tesco Mobile, plus other deals throughout the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet, and home insurance at Tesco Bank.
• Free eye tests and discounts on glasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
• An online discounts website and cycle-to-work scheme.
• After 3 months, eligibility for our Save As You Earn share scheme.
• Retirement savings plan with up to 5% employer match.
• Life assurance coverage of up to three times your annual pay.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP.
• A competitive holiday package.

You will be responsible for

• Developing and implementing category plans to meet sales, margin, and profit targets, ensuring product availability.
• Growing own brand business through sourcing and strategic initiatives.
• Negotiating annually with suppliers for favorable terms.
• Responding to customer feedback to shape category strategies.
• Handling customer queries and complaints professionally and promptly.
• Communicating category plans effectively to ensure understanding and buy-in.
• Ensuring product ranges reflect principles of good, better, and best.
• Collaborating with the team to identify opportunities and improve processes.
• Leading the category team, managing performance, and supporting succession planning.
• Upholding our Business Code of Conduct, acting with integrity, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

You will need

Operational skills relevant for this job

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and make commercial decisions.
• Attention to detail, report writing, data interpretation, and accurate record keeping.
• Knowledge of relevant markets and developments.
• Flexibility in work approach.

Experience relevant for this job:

• Extensive experience in FMG and within a buying team.
• Proven ability to work autonomously.
• Experience in developing and managing marketing campaigns.

About us

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler, serving independent retailers, caterers, and small businesses across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five logistics sites, and six support centres nationwide.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to Booker. We welcome everyone and support flexible working arrangements. We are a Disability Confident employer committed to an accessible recruitment process. For support, contact [e-mail].

Please note that candidates over 18 are required for roles involving early or late shifts, warehouse work, or alcohol-related areas. High application volumes may lead to early closing of roles. Feedback is provided only to interviewed candidates.

Booker Group is part of Tesco plc but operates separately, with distinct benefits. More information is available at www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk.