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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product category strategy, build supplier relationships, and manage the product lifecycle.
- Company: Join a leading business in office products, known for innovation and customer focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a tech-enabled space while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or buying, with strong negotiation and data skills.
- Other info: Equal opportunity employer; apply now to join a forward-thinking company!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you a commercially driven Category Analyst looking to make a real impact in a dynamic, tech-enabled environment? We’re partnering with a leading business in the office products space to find a talented individual to take the reins of a key product category.
This well-established and innovative business operates within the Consumer and Business Products sector, providing a unique blend of technology, service, and supply solutions. It supports independent clients across the UK by delivering end-to-end infrastructure. With a strong culture of partnership and continuous improvement, the company is known for its agile, forward-thinking approach and deep customer focus.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Shaping and driving the strategy for your product category to boost growth and profitability.
- Building strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating the best terms and creating value.
- Working closely with internal teams—sales, marketing, operations—to ensure everything aligns.
- Using market data and trends to make smart, insight-led decisions.
- Managing the full product lifecycle, from launch to exit, always seeking ways to improve.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience in category management, buying, or merchandising—ideally in office products or a similar sector.
- A proven ability to deliver commercial results through product and supplier strategies.
- Skilled in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
- Confident using data and insights to guide decision-making.
- Collaborative and used to working cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and operations teams.
If you're interested in this position, please get in touch with Victoria at The Advocate Group or APPLY NOW to be considered for this exciting opportunity.
📧 victoria.winter@advocate-group.co.uk
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Category Analyst employer: Advocate Group
Contact Detail:
Advocate Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the office products sector. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the category management field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed product categories in the past. Highlight your achievements in supplier negotiations and how you've used data to drive decisions, as these are key skills for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s culture and values. Understanding their approach to partnership and continuous improvement will allow you to tailor your conversations and show that you’re a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, buying, or merchandising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver commercial results and your skills in supplier negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the office products sector and your passion for driving product strategy. Mention how your collaborative approach aligns with the company's culture of partnership and continuous improvement.
Highlight Data Skills: Emphasise your confidence in using market data and insights to guide decision-making. Provide examples of how you've used data to make informed choices in previous roles, particularly in relation to product lifecycle management.
Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate your experience working closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams. Highlight specific projects where you successfully aligned different departments to achieve common goals, demonstrating your collaborative nature.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the specific product category you'll be managing. Understand current trends, key competitors, and market dynamics. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role but are also proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with suppliers or stakeholders. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms and built strong relationships. This is crucial for a Category Analyst role, so be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how market insights led to successful product launches or category growth. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive results.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams, share experiences where you successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight how you facilitated communication and alignment to achieve common goals.
