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- Tasks: Lead the wine category, driving sales and customer satisfaction through strategic planning.
- Company: Join Booker, the UK's top food and drink wholesaler, serving diverse businesses nationwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts at Tesco, health perks, a pension plan, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and offers growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying and FMCG is preferred; strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements; inclusive recruitment process for all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
What's in it for you
At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:
- A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
- After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
- 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.
- Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
- Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
- 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates
- An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
- After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
- Retirement savings plan (pension) – save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
- Life Assurance – You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay
- Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
- A great holiday package
About the role
Reporting to: Lead Category Manager Based: Equity House, Wellingborough
We’re looking for an experienced and driven Category Manager to join our team. This role will focus on wine and can be based from any of our office locations in Wellingborough, Watford, or Eccles.
Job Summary Maximising the profitability of specified product categories, improving customer satisfaction, and cash profit.
You will be responsible for
- The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.
- Annual negotiation with suppliers to ensure competitive terms year on year.
- Seek and react to customer feedback at every opportunity, shaping the category plan, whilst linking to the sell plan and customer satisfaction.
- Responds to customer, supplier or internal queries professionally, at speed.
- Be able to communicate category plans and objectives for relevant product categories, ensuring understanding and buy-in is achieved.
- Ensure my product area in the business centres reflect the principles of good, better and best.
- Working as part of the senior team to identify opportunities and develop or improve ways of working.
- Leadership of the category team, manage performance and have effective succession plans in place supporting Booker in ‘Making Everyone Welcome’ and A Place to Get On’.
- Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion.
You will need
Operational skills relevant for this job
- Exceptional communication & stakeholder management.
- Be able to work independently, to problem solve and make commercial decisions.
- Attention to detail, writing of reports, interpreting data and keeping of accurate records.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant markets and market developments.
- Ability to flex work approach.
Experience relevant for this job:
- Previous experience in buying desired
- Extensive experience in working in FMG
- Have a proven record of working autonomously.
- Have experience of development and management of marketing campaigns.
About The Company
Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.
We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.
We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
Please note
We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.
On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.
*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco*
Category Manager - Wine employer: Booker Group
Contact Detail:
Booker Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Wine
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the wine industry. Understanding current market developments and consumer preferences will help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those with experience in category management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in buying and category management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maximised profitability and improved customer satisfaction in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by discussing how you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlighting your ability to inspire and develop others will resonate well with the company's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Wine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, particularly in the wine sector. Use specific examples of how you've maximised profitability and improved customer satisfaction in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the wine industry and your understanding of market trends. Mention your negotiation skills with suppliers and how you can contribute to Booker’s goals.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to manage stakeholders and respond to queries professionally and promptly.
Highlight Leadership Experience: If you have experience leading teams or managing performance, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss how you’ve developed team members and created effective succession plans.
How to prepare for a job interview at Booker Group
✨Know Your Wine
As a Category Manager focusing on wine, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of different wine varieties, regions, and trends. Brush up on your wine knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage this expertise to maximise profitability.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management are key for this role. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships with suppliers or internal teams, showcasing your ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role requires attention to detail and the ability to interpret data. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles to inform category plans or marketing strategies, and how you can apply these skills at Booker.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Experience
As you'll be leading a category team, highlight your leadership experience during the interview. Share specific instances where you've managed performance, developed team members, or implemented succession plans, aligning with Booker's values of diversity and inclusion.
