Category Manager

Category Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive category growth and innovation.
  • Company: Join LKQ, a global leader in the automotive industry focused on excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, enhanced leave, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of business while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Business Management degree or equivalent, with strong Category Management experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity for personal development across the UK & Europe.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to drive the success of assigned product categories across our regional operations. In this pivotal role, you will be accountable for executing category strategies, delivering against key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensuring an optimal product assortment that meets both market and channel demands.

You will leverage your expertise in category management to implement brand harmonisation strategies and strengthen brand awareness. This is a highly collaborative role, requiring strong leadership and stakeholder management skills to align local execution with European business objectives.

What We Offer

  • Competitive Salary – We regularly review our salaries to keep your earnings competitive.
  • Enhanced Annual Leave (Including Bank Holidays) – Enjoy a great work-life balance with plenty of time off to recharge.
  • Exciting Career Growth – Unlock personal development and career opportunities across the UK & Europe.
  • Life Assurance for Peace of Mind – Providing financial security for you and your loved ones.
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support for you and your family, whenever you need it.
  • Exclusive Gym Discounts – Stay fit and healthy with reduced memberships at top health clubs.
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Perks – Access an online GP, a hospital plan, and other wellness benefits.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money while staying active with tax-free bike purchases.
  • Retail & Staff Discounts – Enjoy exclusive savings on popular brands and products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution of category management strategies, monitoring performance and implementing corrective measures where required.
  • Define and manage category-related KPIs linked to P&L, budgets, and performance reviews.
  • Ensure product assortments are tailored to meet both market and channel demands.
  • Implement brand harmonisation strategy, driving awareness of the brand and product portfolios.
  • Collaborate closely with product marketing, customer pricing, procurement, and category management operations to deliver category strategies.
  • Support the development and execution of profiling strategies aligned with European objectives, considering local market specifics.
  • Translate local brand and product requirements into actionable insights for European category management.

Skills And Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in business, marketing, supply chain, or related discipline.
  • Managerial experience in category management or procurement.
  • Proven track record of executing category plans and consistently achieving performance targets.
  • Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams.
  • Expertise in evaluating market and channel demands to shape product assortments effectively.
  • Prior experience with brand harmonisation initiatives and enhancing brand visibility.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management skills in dynamic, cross-functional environments.
  • Experience contributing to branch profiling strategies aligned with regional and European goals.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data insights for decision-making, optimisation, and performance improvement.

Why Work for LKQ

  • People First: We value our employees just as much as our customers.
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible working options to support your lifestyle.
  • Career Growth: Genuine opportunities for progression in a thriving industry.
  • Passion for Excellence: Join a team dedicated to being the best at what we do.

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Category Manager employer: LKQ Corporation

At LKQ Corporation, we prioritise our employees' well-being and professional growth, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and excellence. With flexible working options, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including enhanced annual leave and healthcare perks, we empower our Category Managers to lead impactful initiatives while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us in Royal Leamington Spa, where your strategic vision can shape the future of our business in a supportive and collaborative culture.
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Contact Detail:

LKQ Corporation 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 category management, especially within the automotive industry. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to driving category growth.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of category management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven category growth in previous roles. Be ready to share measurable results and the strategies you employed, as this will showcase your ability to deliver exceptional value.

✨Tip Number 4

Research StudySmarter's current product offerings and market position. Understanding our business model and how you can contribute to our goals will give you a significant edge during the interview process.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Strategic Thinking
Category Management
B2B and B2C Strategy Development
Team Leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Supplier Negotiation
Contract Management
Data Analysis
Advanced Excel Skills
Presentation Skills
Project Management
Customer Focus
Performance Metrics Management
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management and showcases your strategic thinking skills. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and deliver results.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in managing product lifecycles and leading teams.

Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your exceptional communication and presentation skills, as well as your proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel and PowerPoint. These are crucial for the Category Manager role and should be clearly stated in your application.

Showcase Leadership Experience: Include examples of how you have developed talent and fostered high-performance cultures in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead a team effectively, which is a key aspect of the position.

How to prepare for a job interview at LKQ Corporation

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed business plans in the past, focusing on measurable results and growth.

✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires collaboration with various departments. Be ready to discuss your experience working with teams like Finance, Marketing, and Sales, and how you aligned strategies across these functions to achieve common goals.

✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions

With advanced Excel and data analysis skills being crucial, brush up on your ability to interpret data and present it effectively. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions and improve category performance.

✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development

Since you'll be leading a team of Regional Product Managers, share your experiences in developing talent and fostering high-performance cultures. Discuss specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact.

Category Manager
LKQ Corporation
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