Category Manager - Confectionery

Booker; Watford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to drive profitability and enhance customer satisfaction in the Impulse/Confectionery team. This role involves developing strategic category plans, negotiating with suppliers, and using customer feedback to align with sales goals. You'll lead a dedicated team, ensuring product availability while promoting an inclusive culture. With a fantastic benefits package and opportunities for career progression, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Colleague discount card

Health and Wellbeing support

Retirement savings plan

Life Assurance coverage

Comprehensive holiday package

Exclusive deals website

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free eye tests

Discounted RAC breakdown cover

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in FMG and leading a buying team.
• Proven ability to work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing category plans to meet sales and profit targets.
• Negotiating annually with suppliers for competitive terms.
• Leading the category team and managing performance.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Data interpretation

Attention to detail

Job description

What's in it for you

At Booker, we offer a great place to work with opportunities for career progression and a fantastic 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 purchases at Tesco for four days after every pay day, thirteen times a year, plus 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM-only deals with Tesco Mobile, plus additional deals throughout the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet, and home insurance at Tesco bank (terms apply).
• Free eye tests when spending £50 or more, with 30% off glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
• An exclusive deals website with savings on everyday purchases and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• After 3 months, eligibility to join our Save As You Earn share scheme to buy Tesco shares at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) with Booker matching contributions up to 5%.
• Life Assurance coverage for death in service, up to three times annual pay.
• Health and Wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP services for you and your family.
• A comprehensive holiday package.

About the role

Reporting to: Lead Category Manager

Based in: Watford, Equity, or Eccles

Job Summary: Maximise profitability of specific product categories, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase cash profit.

We are recruiting a Category Manager for the Impulse/Confectionery team, based at Watford, Equity, or Eccles offices.

You will be responsible for

• Developing and implementing category plans to meet sales, margin, and profit targets while maintaining product availability.
• Growing the own brand business through sourcing and sales strategies.
• Negotiating annually with suppliers for competitive terms.
• Utilising customer feedback to shape category strategies, aligning with sales plans and satisfaction goals.
• Responding promptly and professionally to customer queries and complaints.
• Communicating category plans clearly to ensure understanding and buy-in.
• Ensuring product ranges reflect principles of good, better, and best.
• Collaborating with the senior team to identify opportunities and improve processes.
• Leading the category team, managing performance, and planning succession to support Booker’s inclusive culture.
• Adhering to the 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 record keeping.
• Knowledge of relevant markets and developments.
• Flexibility in work approach.

Experience relevant for this job

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