Category Manager – FMCG Growth & Supplier Strategy

Bestway Wholesale Limited; Knaphill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

22 days annual leave plus the option

Life Assurance

Private Medical

Onsite parking

Job summary

Bestway Wholesale Limited is seeking a Category Manager to drive category plans for Bestway Foodservice and caterers. You will manage ranging, pricing, strategy development and supplier relations, while mentoring Category Assistants and guiding category activities.

You will also bargain income from suppliers for media promotions and initiatives, and shape the Own Brand strategy to balance branded and own-brand products. Strong numeracy and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant FMCG Wholesale or Foodservice experience (Buying/Sales or Category Management).
• Strong negotiating and influencing abilities to drive supplier agreements.
• Numerate with proven data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Proactive problem solving and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Ensure activities support budgeted sales, margin and cash profit targets.
• Maximise product availability across categories through strategic ranging and pricing.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop Joint Business Plans.
• Build and manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Create and implement Category strategy and plans to hit financial targets.
• Negotiate income from suppliers for media support and initiatives.
• Range and price products per pricing policy and strategy.
• Plan seasonal promotions and corporate initiatives with supply base and internal teams.
• Lead range development: gap analysis, status review, and price proposition.
• Define Own Brand strategy to balance branded vs own-brand products.
• Ensure admin tasks for the Category are completed accurately and on time.
• Analyse promotional effectiveness and forecasts for categories.

Skills

Tenacity

Assertiveness

Influencing skills

Negotiation

Category strategy

Promotional planning

Numerate

Data analysis

Problem solving

Job description

Bestway Wholesale Limited is seeking a Category Manager to drive category plans for Bestway Foodservice and caterers. You will manage ranging, pricing, strategy development and supplier relations, while mentoring Category Assistants and guiding category activities.

You will also bargain income from suppliers for media promotions and initiatives, and shape the Own Brand strategy to balance branded and own-brand products. Strong numeracy and stakeholder management are essential.