At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and grow ADI's Exclusive Brands portfolio with strategic planning and execution.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at ADI Global Distribution in Oldham.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product strategy and profitability in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in product or category management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
ADI Global Distribution has an opportunity for a Category Manager to join our team in Oldham, working to a hybrid pattern. This role owns and grows ADI's Exclusive Brands portfolio, driving strategy, growth, and profitability. You will lead product mix, pricing, and lifecycle decisions, working closely with global sourcing, product, and sales teams. This is an individual contributor role with full accountability for category performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and deliver the Exclusive Brands category strategy, including growth plans, product roadmaps, and promotional programs to achieve budget objectives.
- Lead end-to-end stakeholder management for Exclusive Brands, including product development, sourcing, pricing, and go-to-market activity.
- Grow Exclusive Brands profitably in line with gross margin targets, while managing working capital and IOS (Inactive, Obsolete, Surplus).
- Work closely with the ADI EMEA leadership team to communicate Exclusive Brand priorities, opportunities, performance, and risks.
- Partner with Marketing, Sales, Merchandising, and Supply Chain teams to drive awareness, adoption, and sell-through of Exclusive Brands.
- Develop and execute product mix, inventory, and pricing strategies based on data, market insight, and customer buying behaviour.
- Act as the product and category SME for Exclusive Brands, supporting key initiatives including ERP and system enhancements.
- Ensure products meet all legal, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g. labelling, claims, specifications).
- Manage products through full lifecycle: launch, review, reformulation, delist, or replacement.
- Lead post-launch reviews and customer insight analysis to drive continuous improvement.
- Support sustainability initiatives, including packaging reduction and responsible sourcing.
YOU MUST HAVE
- Experience as a product or category manager, or in a similar commercial role.
- Strong product marketing and commercial category management experience.
- Ability to set clear strategic direction while remaining hands-on and execution-focused.
- Proven ability to support field sales with pricing, inventory positioning, and product expertise.
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills at all levels of the business.
- Knowledge of product regulations, quality standards and packaging requirements.
WE VALUE
- Experience building and executing category roadmaps, including annual and longer-term three to five year plans.
- Experience improving inventory management processes, including SIOP, forecasting, and IOS control.
- A track record of driving integrated growth across multiple product families or platforms.
- Strong analytical capability, with confidence in Excel, PowerPoint, and reporting tools.
- High levels of commercial judgement, curiosity, and critical thinking.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Hybrid working; 3 days in the office and 2 from home.
- Supportive team with the opportunity to progress.
Category Manager - Exclusive Brands employer: ADI Global
At ADI Global Distribution, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oldham that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values diversity and is dedicated to driving sustainable practices within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Exclusive Brands
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their Exclusive Brands portfolio and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in product management and category strategy can drive growth and profitability for ADI's Exclusive Brands. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Exclusive Brands
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in product management and any relevant achievements that align with our Exclusive Brands portfolio. We want to see how you can drive strategy and growth!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your experience with stakeholder management and product lifecycle decisions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t forget to mention your proficiency in tools like Excel and PowerPoint. Share examples of how you've used data to inform product strategies or improve inventory management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ADI Global
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into ADI's Exclusive Brands portfolio. Understand the current product mix, pricing strategies, and market trends. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership of the category strategy.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've improved inventory management or developed successful product roadmaps. Highlight your proficiency in Excel and reporting tools to back up your claims.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Since this role involves extensive stakeholder management, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be ready to share how you’ve influenced others and driven initiatives forward, especially in product development and marketing.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Approach
The job requires a balance between strategic direction and execution. Share experiences where you've set clear goals and then rolled up your sleeves to ensure those goals were met. This will show that you can lead while also being actively involved in the day-to-day operations.
