Category Manager

Category Manager

Windsor Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise product categories while driving profitability and customer satisfaction.
  • Company: Join a fast-paced, dynamic business that's expanding rapidly in the market.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, potential for remote work, and exciting corporate perks.
  • Why this job: Shape product strategies, collaborate with teams, and drive innovation in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferred; experience in category management or similar roles is essential.
  • Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

I am recruiting a highly driven and strategic Category Manager for a fast paced , dynamic, and expanding business to oversee and optimize a defined category of products/services. The role involves developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, analyzing market trends, and driving profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction. You will play a key role in shaping the product mix, pricing, promotions, and long-term growth strategy of the category.

Key Duties
Develop and execute the category strategy aligned with business goals.Analyze sales data, customer insights, and market trends to identify opportunities and risks.Define and manage the product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities.Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to maximize profitability.Monitor category performance metrics (sales, margin, stock levels, turnover, etc.) and recommend corrective actions.Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, finance, and sales teams to ensure effective execution of category plans.Conduct regular competitor and market analysis to stay ahead of trends.Manage relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring compliance with company policies.Drive innovation and new product introductions within the category.Optimize inventory levels and ensure efficient supply chain management.

Experience required

Bachelor\’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field (preferred not essential)Proven experience (X+ years) as a Category Manager, Buyer, or similar role.Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data-driven decision-making.Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Strategic thinker with a customer-centric and commercial mindset.Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.Familiarity with retail, food, or FMCG industry is a strong plus.

Category Manager employer: 1st Executive

Join a vibrant and expanding company as a Category Manager, where you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and strategic thinking. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering ample opportunities for career advancement while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Located in a dynamic market, we provide competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere that empowers you to make a meaningful impact on our product offerings and customer satisfaction.
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Contact Detail:

1st Executive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the retail, food, or FMCG industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends. This can help you gain insights and possibly even referrals for the Category Manager position.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest market trends and data analysis tools relevant to category management. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven profitability in previous roles. Having concrete stories ready will showcase your experience and strategic thinking, making you a more compelling candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Research StudySmarter's current product offerings and market positioning. Understanding our business model and how you can contribute to our growth as a Category Manager will help you tailor your approach and stand out during discussions.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Category Strategy Development
Supplier Relationship Management
Market Trend Analysis
Sales Data Analysis
Profitability Maximisation
Contract Negotiation
Pricing Strategy
Promotional Planning
Performance Metrics Monitoring
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Competitor Analysis
Inventory Management
Supply Chain Optimisation
Excellent Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Customer-Centric Mindset
Strategic Thinking
Proficiency in Excel
Fast-Paced Work Adaptability
Experience in Retail, Food, or FMCG

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Category Manager or in similar roles. Focus on your analytical skills, negotiation experience, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive profitability and manage supplier relationships.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the industry. Discuss how your strategic thinking and customer-centric approach align with the company's goals. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your capabilities.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Excel and data analysis, as well as your experience in managing product assortments and pricing strategies. Mention any familiarity with market trends in retail, food, or FMCG sectors to strengthen your application.

Showcase Collaboration Experience: Since the role involves working with various teams, highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with marketing, supply chain, finance, or sales teams to execute category plans.

How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Category Manager, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight your proficiency in Excel and any tools you've used for market analysis.

✨Demonstrate Negotiation Experience

Negotiation is a key part of the role. Share experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or pricing with suppliers. Discuss your approach and the outcomes to illustrate your effectiveness in this area.

✨Understand the Market Trends

Research the current trends in the industry relevant to the category you'll be managing. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact the business and suggest strategies to leverage them for growth.

✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires collaboration with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively with marketing, finance, and supply chain teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to align different stakeholders towards common goals.

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