At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance supplier relationships and develop winning category strategies.
- Company: Bestway Group, a thriving multinational with a diverse portfolio and strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, private medical, and generous annual leave options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a leading company and make a real impact in the fast-paced retail sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in trading roles, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We're searching for an experienced Category Controller to lead the category team in maintaining excellent supplier relationships, developing effective category strategies and gaining competitive edge in the marketplace. Using your strong leadership skills, you'll strive to deliver operational excellence by finding new ways to continuously improve and maximise efficiency.
About Bestway: Bestway Group is a diversified multinational family owned business with annualised turnover in excess of £4.5 billion. Starting off as a chain of retail convenience stores, the Group has grown to become a diversified multinational business with interests across the wholesale, pharmacy, real estate, cement and banking sectors. The Group is also the largest overseas investor in Pakistan. Owned by the Pervez, Choudrey and Sheikh families, Bestway Group was founded in 1976 by Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, who remains Chairman. Serving over 12 million customers and employing over 28,000 individuals, the Group supports and serves communities through its operations across the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East.
Responsibilities:
- Providing excellent service to our customers through customer-centric ranges, price integrity & value, quality assurance and reviewing NPS data.
- Delivering financial targets through P&L ownership, budget management and the execution of effective sales strategies.
- Creating a supportive team culture to lead and develop the team of Category Managers and Category Assistants.
- Effectively leveraging the business' position in the market to maintain strong supplier relationships and drive performance.
- Ensuring operational excellence through supply chain oversight, wastage control and ensuring compliance & food safety.
- Collaborating with the Finance team to ensure we have the commercial insights required to maximise margin and profitability.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Proven track record leading a Trading team with Trading functional accountability working with and effectively influencing senior stakeholders, in a complex and multi-functional operating environment, where there are competing priorities.
- Significant experience in a senior commercial, buying, or trading role within the food retail or FMCG sector.
- Proven ability to negotiate high-impact deals on costing and margin.
- Strong skills in data interpretation to inform decisions.
- Experience in managing and developing teams.
- A deep understanding of merchandising, profitability, and supply chain management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrable strategic thinking ability with experience of being solely accountable for developing and delivering business step change in a Trading environment.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Pension
- 22 days annual leave plus the option to buy additional days
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical
- Onsite parking
We understand that no applicant ever ticks every box so please do consider applying should some or most of the above apply. Bestway Group is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity and inclusion. We welcome people of different nationalities, backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We want strong, and diverse teams built from talented individuals with different backgrounds identities and experiences. If this is of interest to you and you would like to learn more, please do get in touch, we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Category Controller in London employer: Bestway Wholesale Limited
Bestway Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. With a commitment to fostering a supportive work environment, we offer competitive pay, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career progression within our dynamic and customer-focused operations. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working with a diverse team in a thriving multinational company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Category Controller at Bestway Wholesale Limited!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Bestway Wholesale Limited or be willing to refer you for that Category Controller position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Bestway Wholesale Limited who’s on the lookout for their next Category Controller star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Category Controller role at Bestway Wholesale Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Bestway Wholesale Limited. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bestway Wholesale Limited
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Bestway Wholesale Limited. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
