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- Tasks: Lead category strategy and manage supplier relationships to drive growth and profitability.
- Company: RS Group is a global leader in product solutions for industrial equipment, solving engineering challenges for over 80 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, personal development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and making a positive impact in the world.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management, strong analytical skills, and fluency in English; German for Frankfurt role.
- Other info: Be part of a company that values curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Category Manager M&FP (m/f/d)
Location:
Corby, ENG, GB, NN17 5JF Frankfurt, Hesse, DE, 60327 Stockport, ENG, GB, SK4 2JT
Brand: RS Group
Work Location: Hybrid
About the role:
The Category Manager role is a key role within the EMEA Product & Supplier Management organisation, accountable for developing the category strategy and working with group, regional and local stakeholders to execute growth plans, delivering targeted profitable growth, customer acquisition and ROI.
For the technology and suppliers they are aligned to, the category manager will be instrumental in delivering a best-in-class product offer for our customers by defining the market leading brands, latest products and ground-breaking technologies that will help drive growth across EMEA.They will also be responsible for the maintenance of the supplier and product portfolio including the end-to-end product lifecycle.
Managing a portfolio of key and strategic suppliers, they are accountable for supplier management and performance, negotiating contracts and improved commercial terms whilst building the collaborative relationships (internally as well as externally) that help drive growth.
We are looking for the following category specialisms:
- Mechanical & Fluid Power
- Automation & Control
The jobholder is responsible for the following processes:
- Category/technology strategy planning, governance, and execution
- Development & execution of supplier business plans to help realise the defined category strategy.
- The use of digital data and insight to inform ranging decisions, highlight opportunities and drive accelerated portfolio & supplier performance
- Supplier management and relationship building to support delivery of growth plans
- Best in class negotiations to deliver accelerated profit
- Cost management and price maintenance
- NPI and portfolio development to help build a credible range and drive growth
- Strong communication and collaboration across relevant group stakeholders
Key Responsibilities:
- Development of best-in-class category offer, fully aligned to customer needs andthe overallcategory strategy
- The delivery of new brands to support supplier acquisition at local, regional and group level
- Management of product lifecycle including NPI, discontinuations & revenue protection
- NPI delivery supported by the acquisition ofsuppliers’transactional data and product content
- Best in class negotiations adding significant commercial value to RS
- Strong relationships with suppliers, functions and markets
- Close relationship with the private label team (RS Pro) to provide optimized range
Delivery of KPIs:
- Revenue & margin
- Supplier and technology growth
- Return on Investment
- Number of products sold
- Digital performance
Your Profile:
- Category Manager/Buyer experience
- Good analytical skillset and strong attention to detail
- Experience of online trading and digital tools
- Experience in working with global supplier brands
- A collaborative team player
- Experience of working in a matrix and cross-cultural environment
- Experience of working in a Commercial environment
- Sound commercial acumen and broad communication skills
- Fluency in English (additionally, for Frankfurt-based role fluency in German required)
- Positive can-do attitude, takes ownership and very results oriented
- Good influencing skills
- Operational problem solver and good process management capability
We are RS
RS Group is a global omni-channel provider of product and service solutions for designers, builders and maintainers of industrial equipment and operations. It looks to provide an unrivalled choice of products, to help its customers solve problems with innovative solutions.
At RS we’ve been solving engineering problems for over 80 years: big ones, small ones, easy and difficult ones. We turn the ‘what ifs’ into the ‘why nots’, the impossible into the possible.
Our purpose? Making amazing happen for a better world.
We offer service and product solutions. We send out a parcel every 2 seconds, to over 130 countries. We provide over 700,000 in-stock and over 3 million unstocked products to more than 1.2 million customers.
We want people like you, as you are curious about things, you like doing things differently and also in a human way with empathy. Because that’s exactly how we partner with people – our customers, suppliers, colleagues and communities – to solve problems.
We’ll also invest in your development and wellbeing – because building a more diverse and inclusive culture, being ethical, responsible and committed to our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) action plan is at the heart of everything we do.
Come and join us and we’ll help you to think big, do more and unleash your brilliance, so you do amazing things, too.
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Category Manager M&FP (m/f/d) employer: Rsgroup
Contact Detail:
Rsgroup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager M&FP (m/f/d)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in Mechanical & Fluid Power and Automation & Control. Understanding the current market landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the category.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative spirit by thinking of ways you can contribute to cross-functional teams. Highlighting your experience in a matrix environment will resonate well with the hiring team at RS Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager M&FP (m/f/d)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, supplier relationships, and product lifecycle management. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your analytical skills and attention to detail. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or executed growth plans in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your experience with digital tools and online trading, as well as your ability to work in a cross-cultural environment. These skills are crucial for the Category Manager position.
Showcase Your Results: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as revenue growth or successful negotiations. This will help demonstrate your impact in previous roles and align with the KPIs mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rsgroup
✨Understand the Category Strategy
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the category strategy relevant to the role. Research RS Group's approach to Mechanical & Fluid Power and Automation & Control, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their growth plans.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Category Manager, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience with digital tools that support online trading and supplier performance.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
The role requires excellent supplier management and relationship-building skills. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts or built collaborative relationships with stakeholders, both internally and externally.
✨Exhibit a Positive Can-Do Attitude
RS Group values a positive, results-oriented mindset. During the interview, convey your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to take ownership of challenges. Share examples of how you've approached problems with a solution-focused attitude.
