At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies to boost sales and profits while mentoring a team.
- Company: Join Bestway Group, a thriving multinational with diverse interests.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Category Manager to be responsible for the delivery of Category Plans that maximise sales and profit for Bestway and our Retailers. The role encompasses all aspects of Category Management including ranging, pricing, strategy development, supplier management, promotional planning and securing income for marketing and media support. The Category Manager will also mentor and develop Category Assistants and oversee the Category specific activities of Category Assistants.
About Bestway: Bestway Group is a diversified multinational family‑owned business with annualised turnover in excess of £4.5 billion. The Group has grown to become a diversified multinational business with interests across the wholesale, pharmacy, real estate, cement and banking sectors. It is the largest overseas investor in Pakistan and operates across the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East, serving over 12 million customers and employing over 28,000 individuals.
Responsibilities
- Ensure all activities and decisions support achievement and delivery of the budget for sales, wholesale margin, retail POR and cash profit.
- Use sound commercial reasoning to ensure that availability is maximised across product categories.
- Work closely with suppliers to generate Joint Business Plans.
- Effectively focus and manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Create and implement Category strategy and plans to meet financial targets.
- Negotiate income from suppliers for media promotional support and specific initiatives.
- Range and price all products in line with current pricing policy and business strategy.
- Plan and communicate requirements for seasonal promotional events and corporate initiatives across the supply base via internal departments.
- Manage range development by identifying gaps, reviewing current status, liaising with key suppliers, and managing the price proposition.
- Define and manage the strategy for Own Brand to balance branded and own‑brand products for a commercially sound range.
- Ensure that admin tasks for the specific Category are completed correctly and on time.
- Accurately analyse promotional effectiveness and forecasts for specific product categories.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in a senior commercial, buying or trading role within the FMCG Wholesale sector.
- Ability to confidently demonstrate tenacity, determination, and assertiveness in pursuit of a commercially successful outcome, managing conflict where necessary.
- Proven ability to negotiate high‑impact deals on costing and margin.
- Ability to build relationships internally and externally using effective influencing skills.
- Experience creating and delivering Category Strategy and promotional plans.
- Numerate, with experience analysing performance and market data.
- Problem‑solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Experience with BWS category is advantageous.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Pension.
- 22 days annual leave plus the option to buy additional days.
- Life Assurance.
- Private Medical.
- Onsite parking.
Bestway Group is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, nationalities, experiences, abilities and perspectives. If you are interested, we look forward to hearing from you.
Category Manager in City of Westminster employer: Bestway Group
Bestway Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical care, and opportunities for mentorship within a diverse multinational setting. Join us in our mission to maximise sales and profit while enjoying a supportive culture that values innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in City of Westminster
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Bestway Group, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Bestway Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Bestway Group, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Bestway Group and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Bestway Group that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bestway Group
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
