At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Junior Category Manager, driving product strategies and building supplier relationships.
- Company: Toolstation is a fast-growing retailer of tools and building supplies, part of Travis Perkins plc.
- Benefits: Enjoy 22 days holiday, a bonus scheme, discounts, and access to training through Toolstation Academy.
- Why this job: This role offers growth opportunities, a vibrant culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Previous buying or commercial experience is essential; strong negotiation and analytical skills are a must.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel required to Northampton/Bridgwater twice a month.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 Β£ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. What you\’ll do This is a hybrid based role, you can either be based in Midlands or South West where our Head office locations are. Do you thrive in a commercial environment and enjoy negotiating with suppliers? Do you relish the challenge of driving sustainable profitable sales and putting customers and stores at the heart of everything you do? Do you have great attention to detail, an ability to multitask and enjoy problem solving? If the answer is yes then Toolstation are currently recruiting for an Junior Category Manager to join the team! We have an opportunity within our commercial team as an Junior Category Manager. This is your opportunity to stamp your personality across a category, supporting the implementation of product category strategies within Toolstation whilst being fully supported along the way. You\’ll own the customer proposition, you will drive innovation of new products, influence the trading margin and mix – and support the wider Commercial Strategy in growing and managing our product base and business performance whilst building and maintaining fantastic relationships with our stores, providing them with the service that they need to win. Candidates must be able to drive and travel to Northampton/ Bridgwater 2 days a month (and supplier visits) Day-to-day Seek to understand the relevant customer/retail market and the category performance within that – understanding key market trends Engage develop and maintain continuous relationships building with all suppliers making sure performance and customer service are key considerations Prepare commercial plans , ensuring accuracy and alignment with overall business objectives. Review all promotional activity; implementing learnings to improve promotional and margin performance What you\’ll bring You currently work within a buying or commercial team and are looking for the opportunity to step up or into a new role and develop your skills. We\’ll need you to have excellent negotiation and influencing skills along with a strong commercial mind and an instinct for a deal. You\’ll be working closely with our suppliers, stores and sales teams, so we\’ll need you to utilise your great communication skills and ability to influence. Most importantly, we\’re looking for someone to show passion and ambition to ensure we are getting the best deals for our customers, always. Demonstrable ability to engage and influence key stakeholders and suppliers. Previous buying/ commercial experience will be necessary. Working previously within category performance would be desirable. Proven experience of spotting opportunities using product and consumer knowledge as well as market awareness. Analytical skills to monitor and measure sales and profit results and adjust product ranges to ensure sales targets and margins are achieved. Excellent working knowledge of Google or Microsoft spreadsheet, word and presentation applications Numerate with experience of managing costs and budgets. What you\’ll get You\’ll find every opportunity to be yourself and to bring your personality and potential to work. Wherever you join us there will be opportunities to take your career wherever you want – up the ladder, across the business or into another role in the Travis Perkins Group. And because we want to do our best for you, you\’ll be supported all the way with training and development – including access to our very own Toolstation Academy programmes. Plus, you\’ll receive some of the best benefits in retail. So, as well as 22 days\’ holidays + Bank Holidays, company pension scheme and life assurance, we offer a bonus scheme, cycle to work scheme, save and buy as you earn, 20% discounts across all Travis Perkins companies, financial education and support, recognition awards and discounts at over 1000 other retailers. Toolstation. The story so far. We\’re one of Britain\’s fastest growing multi-channel retailers of tools, accessories and building supplies and an integral part of Travis Perkins plc. The trade, home improvers and self-builders all trust us to deliver a lot more than tools. Our store expansion programme and the size and diversity of our Group, means we always have opportunities for ambitious people who want to grow with us. To apply Caught your interest? Want to know more? Take a look at www.toolstationjobs.com or simply hit apply Our policy is to employ the best qualified people and provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and not to discriminate against any person because of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Junior Category Manager employer: Toolstation
Contact Detail:
Toolstation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the retail market, especially those related to tools and building supplies. Understanding whatβs currently popular can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the buying and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals that could help you land the Junior Category Manager role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated deals or improved category performance in previous roles. Being able to articulate your past successes will showcase your skills and make you a more attractive candidate.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research Toolstation's product offerings and their competitors. Having a solid understanding of their market position and product range will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their commercial strategy during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Category Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying or commercial roles. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any previous work with suppliers, as these are key for the Junior Category Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders or improved category performance in past roles.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Include examples in your application that demonstrate your analytical skills. Discuss how you've monitored sales and profit results in previous positions and how you adjusted product ranges to meet targets.
Highlight Communication Abilities: Since the role requires strong communication skills, provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with suppliers and internal teams. This will show your ability to build relationships and influence outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Toolstation
β¨Research the Company and Market
Before your interview, take the time to understand Toolstation's position in the market. Familiarise yourself with their product categories, recent promotions, and any news related to their business. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
β¨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role requires excellent negotiation skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated deals or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes of those negotiations.
β¨Showcase Your Analytical Abilities
The job involves monitoring sales and profit results, so be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've adjusted product ranges based on market trends or consumer behaviour.
β¨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As you'll be working closely with suppliers and stores, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts, showcasing your ability to build strong relationships.