Category Manager - Leicester

Ashfield Healthcare; Leicester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to elevate their trading strategy. In this pivotal role, you'll leverage your expertise to enhance product categories, identify new opportunities, and cultivate strong relationships with suppliers. Your strategic insight and analytical skills will drive turnover and ensure KPIs are met. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a talented team, influence key decisions, and contribute to the company's growth in a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration. If you're ready to make a significant impact, this role is for you!

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Category Management with a focus on growth.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier categories in line with strategic objectives.
• Develop relationships with key suppliers to grow turnover.

Skills

Category Management

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Relationship Building

Problem Solving

Time Management

Education

CIPS Qualification

Experience in Category Management

Tools

MS Office Suite

Excel (Pivot Tables)

Job description

Our client is in search for a skilled Category Manager to join their Trading team.

As Category Manager you will use your experience to introduce new ideas and best practices to help drive their category management strategy to the next level.

You will be responsible for influencing and maximizing existing product categories and be targeted to identify new product and supplier opportunities for our growing membership.

Reporting directly to the Head of Trading, you will manage a significant supplier portfolio and be responsible for driving turnover, working towards the department's KPI’s. Interaction with suppliers and members, negotiating, developing positive relationships, having the ability to influence and think strategically, being an exceptional planner with strong analytical skills will be pivotal in being successful within this exciting role.

Job Summary

1. Manage and develop supplier categories in line with strategic objectives.
2. Ensure the category meets required KPI’s and strategic objectives.
3. Work with the Trading team to ensure categories meet key KPIs and support the company’s strategic objectives.
4. Meet and contact key suppliers on a periodic basis to maintain and develop relationships and grow turnover.
5. Organise, coordinate, and facilitate commodity committee meetings.
6. Attend company and Industry events.
7. Collaborate with department heads and Directors to develop and achieve the company's strategic goals.
8. Produce accurate and informative management reports and complete them within the timeframe set.

Skills & Qualifications

1. Excellent understanding of Category Management with a proven track record of driving growth and opportunities.
2. Proven record of managing own workload and working within a team environment.
3. Recognised Industry qualifications such as CIPS or qualified by experience.
4. Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with an eye for spotting new opportunities.
5. Existing strong relationships with key personnel within the industry.
6. Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across teams and key industry partners.
7. Ability to solve complex problems in a professional and well-tempered manner.
8. Proven commercial and digital trading experience.
9. Proficient with MS Office Suite, including competency in Excel creating pivot tables.
10. Good presentation skills to deliver updates to large audiences at forums and seminars.
11. Experience working within the building material sector preferred but not essential.
12. Knowledge of the building materials industry and relevant organisations is preferred but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• A winning attitude with a drive to do well.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work proactively on own initiative as well as with other team members.
• Strong analytical and numerical approach and attention to detail.
• Ability to network and communicate with people from all levels and backgrounds.
• Target driven approach to ensure deadlines are met.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines.

Our client attracts and develops the brightest minds within the industry and will ensure the successful candidate is fully supported to achieve their career aspirations.