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- Tasks: Maximise profitability and customer satisfaction for product categories in the Impulse/Confectionery team.
- Company: Join Booker, the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler, part of Tesco plc.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, health checks, share schemes, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team, drive sales, and make a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMG, strong communication skills, and ability to work independently required.
- Other info: Candidates must be over 18 for certain roles; accessible recruitment support available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Lead Category Manager
Location: Watford, Equity, or Eccles
Job Summary: Maximising profitability, customer satisfaction, and cash profit of specific categories.
You will be responsible for:
- Developing and implementing category plans to meet sales, margin, and profit targets while ensuring product availability.
- Growing own brand business by sourcing to increase sales and margins.
- Negotiating annually with suppliers for competitive terms.
- Responding to customer feedback to shape category plans, linking to sales plans and satisfaction.
- Handling customer queries and complaints professionally and promptly.
- Communicating category plans and objectives clearly to ensure understanding and buy-in.
- Ensuring product displays reflect principles of good, better, and best.
- Collaborating with the senior team to identify opportunities and improve processes.
- Leading the category team, managing performance, and supporting succession planning, aligned with Booker’s values.
- Acting with integrity, championing diversity and inclusion, and following the Business Code of Conduct.
You will need:
- Operational skills relevant for this job.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems, and make commercial decisions.
- Attention to detail, report writing, data interpretation, and record keeping.
- Knowledge of relevant markets and developments.
- Flexibility in work approach.
Experience relevant for this job:
- Extensive experience in FMG and leading a buying team.
- Proven ability to work autonomously.
- Experience in developing and managing marketing campaigns.
At Booker, we offer a great working environment and benefits, including discounts, insurance, health checks, share schemes, pension, life assurance, wellbeing support, and holiday packages.
Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler, serving independent retailers, caterers, and small businesses with over 190 branches and multiple logistics sites across the UK. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming everyone and supporting flexible working arrangements. Booker is a Disability Confident employer, dedicated to accessible recruitment.
Please note: Candidates over 18 are required for roles involving early or late hours, warehouse work, or alcohol-related areas. Some roles may close early due to high application volumes.
Booker Group is part of Tesco plc but operates separately, offering different benefits.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Retail
Category Manager employer: Tesco
Contact Detail:
Tesco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Tesco's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing that you are a good fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the Category Manager position, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends in the FMCG sector. Being knowledgeable about recent developments and consumer behaviour will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to maximising profitability and customer satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing supplier negotiations. Highlighting specific examples of successful campaigns or strategies you've implemented will demonstrate your capability to excel in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in FMCG, category management, and stakeholder engagement. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and focus on achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed product categories, improved profitability, or led teams in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for the Category Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tesco
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Manager at Tesco. Familiarise yourself with their approach to maximising profitability and customer satisfaction, as well as the specific product categories you'll be managing.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your extensive experience in FMCG and leading a buying team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully developed and managed marketing campaigns, and how these experiences can benefit Tesco.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated category plans and objectives in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to work independently and solve problems. Think of scenarios where you've made commercial decisions or handled customer queries and complaints professionally, and be ready to share those experiences.
