Junior Category Manager

Here at AIS, we have an exciting opportunity available for a Junior Category Manager to join our Flooring One team based in Solihull. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary. AIS is the UK’s and Ireland’s leading fashion, home and leisure buying group with a membership of 280 independent department stores and specialist retailers.

As our Junior Category Manager, you will work closely with the Buyer and manage the Administrator, to ensure the continuous development of commercial, seasonal Own Brand and exclusive ranges for our Members. You will be responsible for supporting to deliver commercial and profitable ranges, whilst providing a high standard of customer service to our Members. If you are someone who can develop strong business relationships, thinks commercially and understands product trends and competition landscape, then we are looking to hear from you!

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Buyer, taking ownership of key product areas and supporting collaborative decision-making.
• Contribute to division strategy and product development by participating in reviews and sharing insights with the senior team.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness by sourcing new products, brands, and suppliers to keep our range fresh and competitive.
• Support P&L management by making decisions that maximise sales and control costs.
• Develop and maintain the exclusive own label collection, with the introduction of new ranges, from conception to launch with the group.
• Make informed choices based on market trends, data, member feedback, and competitor analysis.
• Provide exceptional service to Members through regular calls and visits, building strong relationships and understanding their needs.
• Promote member and supplier engagement via webinars, strategy groups, and meetings.
• Visit Member stores, set objectives, and report findings to drive improvements.
• Manage and curate content for our Hub and Yammer platforms, ensuring high standards and engaging communication.
• Utilise internal systems effectively to streamline operations and reporting.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, and ensure compliance with AIS standards.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers and emerging brands to enhance our offering.
• Work with the Partnership Manager to maintain compliance with regulations and monitor supplier service performance.
• Collaborate with the Buyer, events, and marketing teams to deliver successful INDX shows and drive member engagement.
• Create product directories and show guides in partnership with Suppliers, Marketing, and Events teams.
• Attend weekly team meetings to stay informed and contribute to ongoing business improvements.
• Resolve member and supplier queries promptly and professionally.
• Act as a role model, sharing knowledge and supporting the administrator.
• Champion continuous improvement and the united team approach, identifying opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and cost savings.

Personal Attributes, Skills & Behaviours:

• Experience within the flooring or wider home category with an exceptional commercial eye for product.
• Strong commercial awareness of the category and the overall market.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels.
• Creative thinker, with the ability to think outside the box.
• Fresh thinker and generates ideas with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Exceptional negotiator and has strong influencing skills.
• A flexible and reliable team player.
• Computer literacy including competence in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Able to consistently produce accurate work to a high standard.

Benefits| Rewards| Wellbeing:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (in a full leave year, prorata for part time employees).
• Opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 10 days per leave year).
• Birthday leave - no one should work on their birthday so have the day off on us!
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing Scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Charity / volunteering Leave.
• Free employee parking.
• Onsite catering service (subsidised rate for employees).
• Access to discounts and staff sales.
• Employee engagement calendar and activities throughout the year.

If you feel you have the skills and experience needed to become the Junior Category Manager at AIS then please click ‘apply’ today! We’d love to hear from you.