Category Manager - Fresh (Bakery)

Booker Group; Irthlingborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the industry is seeking an experienced Category Manager to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction within the Fresh team at their Wellingborough office. The successful candidate will manage category plans, drive sales growth, and ensure product availability, while enjoying a supportive work environment with significant career progression opportunities.

Benefits

10% off purchases with Booker colleague card

Discounts at Tesco after 3 months

Up to 30% off insurance at Tesco Bank

Health checks and discounts at Tesco Pharmacy

Access to discounted everyday purchases

Retirement savings plan with employer matching

Health and wellbeing support

Comprehensive holiday package

Qualifications

• Previous experience buying fresh products is desirable.
• Extensive experience working in FMG.
• Proven ability to work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans to meet sales and profit targets.
• Negotiate with suppliers and handle customer feedback.
• Communicate category plans effectively and improve team collaboration.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Flexibility

Job description

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About the role

Reporting to: Head of Category Management Based: Wellingborough

Job Summary: Maximising the profitability of specified product categories, improving customer satisfaction, and cash profit.

We are looking to recruit a Category Manager in the Fresh team, based at our Wellingborough office.

Main Responsibilities

• The development and implementation of category plans to ensure sales, margin, and profit targets are met while maintaining product availability.
• Growing the own brand business by sourcing products to increase sales and margins.
• Negotiating annually with suppliers to secure competitive terms.
• Seeking and responding to customer feedback to shape category plans, linking to sales strategies and customer satisfaction.
• Handling customer queries and complaints professionally and promptly.
• Communicating category plans and objectives effectively to ensure understanding and buy-in.
• Ensuring product displays reflect principles of good, better, and best options.
• Collaborating with the team to identify opportunities and improve working methods.
• Adhering to the Business Code of Conduct, acting with integrity, championing diversity and inclusion.

You will need

Operational skills:

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management.
• 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:

• Previous experience buying fresh products is desirable.
• Extensive experience working in FMG.
• Proven ability to work autonomously.
• Experience in developing and managing marketing campaigns.

What's in it for you

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

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases 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, plus discounts at Tesco Cafe and F&F.
• 10% off pay monthly and 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.
• Discounted RAC breakdown cover.
• Access to discounted deals on everyday purchases and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• After 3 months, eligibility to join the Save As You Earn share scheme.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Life assurance coverage.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP.
• Comprehensive holiday package.