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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic development to boost sales and profitability in a product category.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on market trends and consumer behaviour.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping product offerings and driving market success.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in category management preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and make a real impact on business outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Responsible for the strategic development and execution of plans to maximize sales and profitability within a specific product category by analysing market trends, managing supplier relationships, optimising stock holding, supporting sales efforts, and managing the range of products.
Main purpose of the Job: The Category Manager acts as a strategic leader for a designated product category. This involves market analysis to identify growth opportunities, understanding consumer behaviour, and assessing competitor activities. They curate the product assortment, select items based on profitability, demand, and supplier capabilities, and establish competitive pricing strategies. They cultivate and manage supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, and ensure product quality and availability. Effective inventory management and demand forecasting are essential. They support sales with product knowledge, collaborate with marketing on promotions, and monitor performance via KPIs. Success is measured by sales growth, profitability, and market share through strategic planning and collaboration.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
- Strategic Category Management: Develop and execute strategies based on market understanding, analysis, and customer insights.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Negotiate contracts, manage performance, and build strong supplier relationships.
- Financial Acumen: Manage budgets, analyze data, and optimize procurement strategies.
- Product Portfolio Management: Curate and maintain product ranges aligned with market trends.
- Market Intelligence & Analysis: Conduct research, analyze competitors, and identify trends.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Develop inventory strategies, forecast demand, and collaborate with suppliers.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams.
- Team Leadership & Development: Guide and mentor team members, promote best practices.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Negotiate with suppliers, monitor performance, and implement procurement strategies.
- Manage product ranges within the category, ensuring market alignment.
- Monitor rebate income for revenue opportunities.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers, build relationships.
- Source substitutes as needed, minimize disruptions, and support team training.
- Support rebate system implementation and management.
- Collaborate across departments and participate in team meetings.
- Participate in process improvements and ensure operational efficiency.
- Analyze performance data and prepare reports.
- Maintain market intelligence and develop inventory strategies.
- Collaborate with marketing on promotions, track effectiveness.
- Manage category budget and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Guide and support purchasing assistants.
General Conduct:
- Maintain records diligently.
- Attend meetings with preparation.
- Prioritize health, safety, and welfare.
- Perform any other duties as requested by management.
Category Manager employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest market trends and consumer behaviour in the product category you're interested in. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in category management. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or optimised product ranges in previous roles. Real-life scenarios can showcase your skills and make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the competitive landscape by researching key players in the market. Understanding their strategies can help you articulate how you would position the product category effectively during your interview.
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, supplier relationship management, and financial acumen. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive sales growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for category management and how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention your experience in market analysis, product portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in previous roles. For instance, mention how you successfully negotiated contracts that improved profitability or how your inventory strategies led to reduced costs and increased efficiency.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company's product categories, market position, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and execute strategies. Prepare examples of how you've previously identified market trends and implemented successful plans that maximised sales and profitability.
✨Highlight Supplier Relationship Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier performance. Share specific instances where you built strong relationships with suppliers and how that positively impacted your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is crucial for this role, come prepared to talk about your experience with budgeting, data analysis, and procurement strategies. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've optimised costs and improved profitability.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with sales, marketing, and finance departments in the past, and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to the new role.
