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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales performance and manage product categories in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join a leading UK retail operator with a network of small stores and food-to-go outlets.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great office environment, company pension, life insurance, and health programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a growth-focused team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years experience in buying or category management; strong communication and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work Monday to Friday with excellent transport links and free parking.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Quest Search and Selection is currently looking for Category Manager for driving sales performance across allocated categories non-food and food, range selection, promotions, pricing, marketing, and new product development. Leads supplier negotiations to secure optimal cost prices, promotional rebates, over-riders, listing agreements, and marketing contributions.
Partnering with a leading retail operator in the UK, managing a nationwide network of small stores, often combined with convenience stores and food-to-go outlets.
The roles & responsibilities of this Category Managerrole:
- Drive profitability and growth across allocated product ranges.
- Develop planograms in collaboration with space planners and suppliers.
- Recommend, deliver, and manage in-store promotions, including point-of-sale materials and performance analysis.
- Set pricing structures and bands for all assigned products.
- Identify and launch new products and innovative ideas.
- Track category performance and benchmark against competitors.
- Build in-depth category knowledge through supplier engagement and market research.
- Create and implement marketing initiatives for assigned categories.
- Maximise store sales and margins through effective category management and supplier negotiation.
- Ensure sustained profit growth via strong category performance and supplier overrides.
The qualifications of this Category ManagerRole:
- Ideally having 3-5 years of experience as Buyer, Buying Manager Category Manager , Brand Manager.
- Open to categories if a commercial business setting such as DIY, non-food, health & beauty, other can be consider if more branded buying.
- Good communication and analytical skills.
The benefits for this Category ManagerRole:
- Great office-based environment (Mon – Fri)
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Transport links (close to station)
- Free car parking
This is great opportunity to build growth in a business with like-minded people! If Category Manager sounds like you then please apply with the reference no. JO-2508-115216
We request that candidates send their CV as a Microsoft Word document where possible.
Quest Search and Selection is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Category Manager employer: Quest Search and Selection Ltd
Contact Detail:
Quest Search and Selection Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in category management, especially in the non-food and food sectors. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail industry, particularly those who have experience as Category Managers or Buyers. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales performance or managed supplier negotiations in your previous roles. Having concrete examples ready will showcase your expertise and make you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company you're applying to thoroughly. Understand their product ranges, market position, and recent developments. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, buying, or brand management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales performance and manage supplier negotiations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your experience with product ranges, promotions, and pricing strategies, and explain how you can contribute to their growth.
Highlight Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, include examples of how you've used data to track category performance or benchmark against competitors. This will show your capability in making informed decisions.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application as a Microsoft Word document, as requested. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is free from errors before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Search and Selection Ltd
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, make sure to research the specific categories you will be managing. Understand current trends, key competitors, and potential growth areas. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in category management.
✨Prepare for Supplier Negotiations
Since supplier negotiations are a crucial part of the role, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in this area. Think of examples where you successfully secured better pricing or promotional deals, and be prepared to explain your negotiation strategies.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical skills, so be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring examples of how you've tracked category performance and made adjustments based on your findings.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when collaborating with suppliers and internal teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully communicated ideas or managed projects that required teamwork and collaboration.
