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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow our Specialist and Protective Coatings product ranges.
- Company: Join Promain, the UK's largest industrial paints and coatings distributor.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, a company car, private medical insurance, and generous discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your input and offers growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Previous category management or buying experience in B2B or B2C settings required.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel to our Eastbourne Head Office.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Remote with travel to Head Office
Salary: Competitive
Benefits: Competitive financial package, 34 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), Pension plan with company contributions plus a life assurance scheme, Company car, Private medical insurance, staff discounts and rewards scheme.
Role Overview
We are looking to recruit a highly motivated Category Manager to take ownership of and manage our Specialist and Protective Coatings product ranges, such as fire retardant, floor and roof paints, metal protection/anti-corrosion, and anti-slip marine coatings. You will work closely with our technical product specialists and colleagues at Promain, the UK’s largest industrial paints and coatings distributor. Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing strategies to maximize opportunities for sales growth, market share increase, and margin enhancement. You will also engage with branches and the Promain team to understand our business and customers, as well as visit and collaborate with our experienced sales teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and implement the strategic direction of our protective coatings category by developing category plans based on customer demand and commercial operations.
- Communicate effectively at all levels within the company and with external suppliers.
- Utilize your category management or buying experience to establish credibility and influence others.
Candidate Requirements
- Previous category management or buying experience with multi-site B2B merchants or B2C retailers.
- Experience in specialist coatings categories within paint or technical nature categories.
- The ability to develop and review customer propositions, product ranges, and pricing strategies.
- Understanding customer needs through regular feedback and visits.
- Management of vendor relationships, negotiating trading terms and prices.
- Collaboration with Marketing and Visual Merchandising teams on promotional plans.
- Flexibility to work from our Head Office in Eastbourne and travel within the UK.
What We Offer
We reward our employees well and foster a culture of support and success: Competitive financial package, Profit-related pay, 34 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), Pension plan with company contributions and a non-contributory life assurance scheme, Company car, Private medical insurance for you and your partner, Generous staff discounts, Access to our holiday homes in Cornwall or the Lake District.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page to complete the application form.
Category Manager employer: Brewers Decorator Centres
Contact Detail:
Brewers Decorator Centres 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 the coatings industry. Understanding current market demands and innovations will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the coatings and category management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed product categories in the past. Highlighting your achievements in sales growth and vendor relationship management will showcase your capability for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and culture. Tailoring your approach to align with our mission and demonstrating how you can contribute to our success will make a strong impression during the interview process.
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 or buying, especially within the coatings or paint sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly explains why you are the perfect fit for the Category Manager role. Mention your previous experience with B2B merchants or B2C retailers and how it aligns with the company's goals. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with Promain and contribute to their success.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as strategic planning, vendor relationship management, and collaboration with marketing teams. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in your application materials.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions carefully. Click the ‘Apply Now’ button on the job page and complete the application form as required. Double-check for any additional documents that may need to be submitted.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brewers Decorator Centres
✨Know Your Products
Familiarise yourself with the specific coatings and products you'll be managing. Understand their features, benefits, and market positioning. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous category management or buying experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully developed strategies that led to sales growth or improved market share.
✨Understand Customer Needs
Be ready to talk about how you gather and utilise customer feedback. Discuss any methods you've used to understand customer needs and how this has influenced your product decisions in the past.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with marketing, sales, or technical teams in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to communicate and influence at all levels.
