Category Manager: Supplier Partnerships & Growth

RS Group; Pickhill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RS Group is seeking a Category Manager in the UK to lead supplier relationships and develop strategic partnerships within our PPE, safety and hygiene product range. You will drive supplier strategies, negotiate commercial terms, and deliver ongoing cost savings while supporting fast-moving, customer-driven markets.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, change management, and strong analytical skills to optimize category performance across the UK&I market.

Qualifications

• Successful track record in supplier/account or category management.
• Business planning and execution capability.
• Collaborative team player across a fast-moving, customer driven market.
• Successful supplier relationship management.
• Ability to work cross functionally and cross culturally as part of a wider global team.
• Demonstrates an excellent understanding of, and the ability to articulate the RS Value Proposition.
• Strong commercial acumen and broad communication skills.
• Positive can-do attitude, takes ownership and very results oriented.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
• Change Management experience.
• Understanding of marketing, purchasing and inventory control.
• Operational problem solver and good process management capability.
• Excellent negotiation abilities.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Deliver sales, margin, and cost-saving targets.
• Identify risks and opportunities to continuously improve category performance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Meet with suppliers and develop partnerships to become first choice.
• Deliver commercial benefit from ongoing review of supplier pricing agreements and negotiate terms.
• Gain price support for specific customers / opportunities to achieve profitable growth.
• Deliver sales, margin, and cost-saving targets.
• Identify risks and opportunities to continuously improve category performance.

Skills

Supplier management

Category management

Business planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Communication

Change management

Inventory control

Data analysis

Tools

Excel

Job description

RS Group is seeking a Category Manager in the UK to lead supplier relationships and develop strategic partnerships within our PPE, safety and hygiene product range. You will drive supplier strategies, negotiate commercial terms, and deliver ongoing cost savings while supporting fast-moving, customer-driven markets.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, change management, and strong analytical skills to optimize category performance across the UK&I market.