Category Manager - Wine

Driver Hire Borders; Little Irchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector is seeking a driven Category Manager. The role is focused on maximizing profitability and customer satisfaction within the wine category. Ideal candidates will have exceptional operational skills and a proven track record in buying, along with experience in managing marketing campaigns.

Benefits

Employee discount card

Comprehensive holiday package

Pension with matched contributions

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Operational skills including stakeholder management.
• Previous buying experience preferred, with a focus on FMG.
• Experience in developing marketing campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing category plans to meet targets.
• Negotiating competitively with suppliers.
• Handling queries from customers and suppliers.

Skills

Exceptional communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Job description

What's in it for you

At Booker, we offer a great place to work and a fantastic benefits package, including:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker, plus double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% off, increasing to 15%, at Tesco for four days after each pay day, thirteen times a year. Also, 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 on the same spend.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive discounts on RAC breakdown cover and access to a deals website for everyday savings, including a cycle-to-work scheme.
• After 3 months, eligibility to join our Save As You Earn share scheme, allowing you 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 your annual pay.
• Health and wellbeing support, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
• A comprehensive holiday package.

About the role

Reporting to: Lead Category Manager

Location: Equity House, Wellingborough (or Wellingborough, Watford, or Eccles)

We seek an experienced and driven Category Manager to focus on wine, responsible for maximizing profitability, customer satisfaction, and cash profit within the category.

You will be responsible for

• Developing and implementing category plans to meet sales, margin, and profit targets while maintaining product availability.
• Negotiating annually with suppliers for competitive terms.
• Gathering and responding to customer feedback to shape category plans, linking to sales strategies and customer satisfaction.
• Handling queries professionally and promptly from customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Communicating category plans and objectives clearly to ensure understanding and buy-in.
• Ensuring product ranges reflect principles of good, better, and best.
• Collaborating with senior team members to identify opportunities and improve processes.
• Leading the category team, managing performance, and planning for succession, supporting Booker’s inclusivity initiatives.
• Acting with integrity, adhering to the Business Code of Conduct, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

You will need

Operational skills:

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• 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 buying experience preferred.
• Extensive experience in FMG desirable.
• Proven track record of working autonomously.
• Experience in developing and managing marketing campaigns.