Category Manager

Category Manager

Dunnington Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Bestway Retail

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead category management to boost sales and profits for Bestway Retail.
  • Company: Bestway Retail is a dynamic player in the retail sector, focused on growth and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for career progression and development.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive team where your ideas can make a real impact on business success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in FMCG or retail, strong negotiation skills, and a knack for strategy are essential.
  • Other info: This role offers a chance to mentor others and shape category strategies.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Category Manager to be responsible for the delivery of Category Plans that maximise sales and profit for both Bestway Retail and our Retailers.

About the role:

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 the Category Assistants and oversee the Category specific activities of Category Assistants.

Your main 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 and influence to ensure that availability is maximised across product categories.
  • Working closely with suppliers to generate Joint Business Plans.
  • Effective focus and management of internal and external stakeholder relationships.
  • Creation and implementation of Category strategy, to include the delivery of Category plans to ensure that financial targets are met.
  • Negotiating income from suppliers for media promotional support and specific initiatives.
  • Ranging and pricing of all products in line with current pricing policy and business strategy.
  • Planning and communicating requirements for seasonal promotional events and corporate initiatives across the supply base and via internal departments.
  • Range management and development - identifying gaps, reviewing the current range status, liaising with key suppliers, and managing the price proposition.
  • Define and manage the strategy for Own Brand to ensure the Category has the correct balance of branded and own brand products to deliver a commercially sound range/portfolio.
  • Ensuring that admin tasks for the specific Category are completed correctly and on time.
  • Accurately analysing promotional effectiveness and forecasts for specific product categories.

About You:

  • Significant experience in FMCG Wholesale or Retail sector (Buying Sales or Category Management).
  • The ability to confidently demonstrate tenacity, determination, and assertiveness in pursuit of a commercially successful outcome, managing conflict where necessary.
  • The ability to build relationships internally and externally using effective influencing skills.
  • A strong and effective negotiator.
  • Experience of creating and delivering Category Strategy and promotional plans.
  • Numerate, with experience of analysing performance and market data.
  • Problem solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What next?

If you are looking to launch, or grow, an exciting career in a company that values progression and development! Choose “Apply now” to fill out our short application and submit your CV!

Category Manager employer: Bestway Retail

Bestway Retail is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. Located in Dunnington, North Yorkshire, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages mentorship and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in the retail sector.
Bestway Retail

Contact Detail:

Bestway Retail Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in FMCG and retail. Understanding current market dynamics will help you speak confidently about category management strategies during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or developed category strategies in your previous roles. Real-life scenarios can demonstrate your expertise effectively.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past positions. Highlighting your numeracy and problem-solving abilities will resonate well with the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Category Management
Supplier Management
Negotiation Skills
Commercial Acumen
Data Analysis
Promotional Planning
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Relationship Building
Tenacity and Determination
Market Analysis
Ranging and Pricing Strategy
Team Leadership and Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in FMCG, wholesale, or retail sectors. Emphasise your skills in category management, supplier relationships, and strategic planning to align with the job requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of category management and your ability to drive sales and profit. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your achievements and how they relate to the role.

Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your negotiation skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in creating promotional plans. These are crucial for the Category Manager role and should be evident in your written materials.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bestway Retail

Showcase Your Category Management Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in category management, particularly in the FMCG sector. Highlight specific examples where you successfully developed and implemented category strategies that maximised sales and profit.

Demonstrate Strong Negotiation Skills

Since the role involves negotiating with suppliers for promotional support, come equipped with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. This will showcase your ability to influence and secure beneficial outcomes.

Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions

Expect questions about how you manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Prepare examples that illustrate your effective communication and influencing skills, as these are crucial for the role.

Analyse Market Data and Performance Metrics

Be ready to discuss how you analyse market data and performance metrics to inform your decisions. Bring insights from your past experiences that demonstrate your numeracy and problem-solving skills, which are essential for continuous improvement.

Category Manager
Bestway Retail
Location: Dunnington
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