Product Category Manager

Procurement People; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance-related bonus

Early finish every Friday

25+ days annual leave

Enhanced pension scheme

Enhanced health cash plan

Free on-site parking

Retail discount packages

Laptop/mobile provided

Job summary

A leading procurement firm in Birmingham seeks a strategic Product Category Manager to oversee the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure portfolios. This role involves full commercial accountability, from managing supplier relationships to driving product innovation. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in category management, a degree in business or marketing, and is data-driven. Attractive benefits include a performance bonus, hybrid working options, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer in retail or distribution.
• Degree-educated in a relevant field.
• Data-driven with analytical capacity to interpret market trends.
• MCIPS qualified or pursuing certification preferred.
• MCIPS qualification (or currently studying) preferred.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment focused on commercial targets.

Responsibilities

• Identify and onboard new suppliers to optimize supply chain.
• Lead negotiations for pricing and contractual terms.
• Drive new product development by identifying market gaps.
• Manage the product lifecycle from inventory to end-of-life.
• Market Intelligence: monitor industry trends and competitors to keep portfolio ahead.
• Compliance & Standards: ensure products meet testing, certification, regulatory requirements.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: collaborate with marketing/design and support sales at trade shows.
• International Engagement: travel across Europe and Far East for audits/exhibitions.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Commercial Negotiation

Product Innovation

Lifecycle Management

Market Intelligence

Cross-Functional Leadership

Analytical Skills

Technical Literacy

Education

Degree in business or marketing-related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

ERP systems (like Epicor)

Job description

Join a premier, family-run enterprise that has spent over 50 years establishing itself as the UK’s foremost specialist in the towing, trailer, and outdoor leisure markets. This is an ambitious, expanding organisation that prides itself on market‑leading status and a commitment to quality. We are looking for a strategic Product Category Manager to take a lead role within a high‑performing procurement function.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Purchasing Director, you will hold full commercial accountability for the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure portfolios. This is a comprehensive "cradle-to-grave" role where you will drive the strategy for your categories, from identifying global manufacturing partners to managing product launches and market positioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing: Identify and onboard new global suppliers while optimizing existing partnerships to ensure a robust supply chain.
• Commercial Negotiation: Lead high-level negotiations to secure optimal pricing, lead times, and contractual terms.
• Product Innovation: Drive the development of new ranges by identifying market gaps and working with stakeholders on technical specifications and quality standards.
• Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire product journey, including inventory health, pricing strategies, and end‑of‑life transitions.
• Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of industry trends and competitor movements to ensure the portfolio remains at the forefront of the sector.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all products adhere to rigorous testing, certification, and regulatory requirements.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: Collaborate with marketing and design teams on packaging and branding, and support the sales team at major industry trade shows.
• International Engagement: Undertake occasional travel across Europe and the Far East for supplier audits and global exhibitions.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven Track Record: Extensive experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer, specifically within a retail or distribution environment.
• Academic Background: Degree‑educated in a business or marketing‑related discipline.
• Analytical Prowess: Highly data‑driven with the ability to interpret complex market trends and translate them into actionable commercial plans.
• Technical Literacy: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with ERP systems (such as Epicor) is highly advantageous.
• Professional Standing: MCIPS qualified (or currently studying towards) is preferred.
• Agility: The ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment with a focus on hitting commercial targets.

The Benefits

• Profit Sharing: Eligibility for an annual performance‑related bonus scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy an early finish every Friday at 2:00 PM and the option for hybrid working once established.
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual holiday (rising to 27 with tenure) plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced Pension: A scheme that boosts your voluntary contributions by an additional 10%.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to an enhanced health cash plan, 24/7 private GP service, and a full Employee Assistance Program.
• Free on‑site parking, retail discount packages, and full provision of business technology (laptop/mobile).