Category Manager - Beauty (38394)

China-Britain Business Council; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization in England seeks a skilled trader to drive the commercial strategies for beauty products. This role focuses on optimizing promotions, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring profitability through effective category management. The ideal candidate will possess retail trading experience, strong negotiation skills, and a data-driven approach to decision-making. Join a vibrant team and enjoy various employee benefits including health plans and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Private Virtual GP

Pension Contribution

Learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in retail buying or category management.
• Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers.
• Strong communication and time management skills.
• Confidence in decision-making and autonomy.
• Data-driven decision-making approach.

Responsibilities

• Own the category strategy and trade performance.
• Negotiate with suppliers for better terms.
• Manage promotional planning and inventory.
• Lead and develop the trading team.
• Monitor performance metrics to ensure targets are met.

Skills

Retail trading experience

Negotiation

Market analysis skills

Communication

Job description

Beauty is transforming fast, andwe'relooking for someone with strong commercial trading experience to keep that momentum moving. Our “inside-out” strategy-pairing high-performance skincare with ingestible beauty-has already delivered a 7% sales uplift in recent trials and brought leading brands like Cetaphil, Aveeno, andNoughtyinto the range.

In this role,you'll be driving force forday-to-day trading: optimising promotions to drive incremental sales, managing supplier relationships to unlock stronger terms, and executing new launches that keep us winning in one of retail's fastest-growing categories.

Ifyou're a sharp trader who wants to make a measurable impact from day one, this is for you.

The Role

What you'll actually be doing?

You'll be the person who decides what beauty products we sell and how we sell them. That means owning the category strategy, negotiating with suppliers, and making sure our ranges and promotions aren't just pretty—they're profitable.

• You'll build a category strategy using data, insights, and your market knowledge.
• Keep an eye on performance and tweak things so we hit revenue and margin targets.
• Negotiate with suppliers—margin, marketing support, delivery performance, the works.
• Lead promotional planning and make sure it drives profitable growth.
• Review ranges so they meet customer needs and keep us ahead of the curve.
• Work with marketing, trade planning, and digital teams to make launches and promos land.
• Manage inventory smartly so we never run out of key items and never end up storing products that just sit in a warehouse.
• Lead and develop your team—because great results come from great people.

How we'll know you're delivering

• The numbers will tell us. Revenue, margin, stock levels, supplier performance, and how well your promotions and ranges land with customers. If those look good, you're doing your job well.

The Person

What you'll need to bring

• You've done proper trading in retail buying or category management. If it's been in Beauty, even better (but not essential).
• You know how to negotiate in a way that keeps suppliers engaged and onside.
• You communicate well and handle your time in a way that keeps things moving.
• You can make decisions with confidence and autonomy—and you're comfortable owning your calls.
• You use numbers to guide smart trading decisions, not just to make presentations look pretty.
• You get on well with suppliers and internal teams—it comes natural for you to build rapport.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Health Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Private Virtual GP
• Holiday Purchase option
• Pension Contribution
• Access to ‘Wellhub' with gyms, studios and wellbeing apps

Discounts & Savings

• 25% Colleague Discount with FREE Standard Delivery
• Exclusive Discounts from a wide range of partners
• £/€50 Annual Product Allowance to spend in store

Learning & Development

• Access to a variety of learning opportunities, including Level 2-5 Apprenticeships, Workshops and our Digital Learning Library
• AND MORE!

Holland and Barrett is an equalopportunity employer. We welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We understand that when our colleagues are listened to, respected and valued for who they are, we build anorganisationwith belonging at its heart – making health and wellness a way of life for everyone.

Holland & Barrett does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Please do not forward resumes to our job alias, employees, or any other company location. Holland & Barrett is not and will not be responsible for any fees if a candidate submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless otherwise agreed with respect to specific open position(s).