At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape product categories and drive profit while delighting customers.
- Company: Join a major UK business with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a structured development programme.
- Other info: Hybrid role offering flexibility and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career in a dynamic environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for commercial decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Reporting to: Category Manager. Based: Wellingborough / Watford.
Job Summary
Play a key role in shaping our product categories, delighting customers, and driving cash profit while building standout skills in a major UK business. We’re excited to offer a 10 month fixed‑term opportunity to join our Catering team as a Category Manager – Designate. This role is perfect for someone who wants to accelerate their career, gain hands‑on experience in a large, well‑established organisation, and develop the kind of commercial skills that open doors. As a Category Manager – Designate, you’ll be stepping into a role designed around your growth. You’ll work closely with an experienced mentor, be supported by a structured development programme, and get real exposure to how a major product function operates. You’ll build confidence, learn how to manage a product portfolio, and contribute to decisions that genuinely impact the business. Whether you’re looking to step up, switch direction, or gain experience in a competitive field, this role gives you the platform to do it – with the backing of a respected brand and a team invested in your development. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to balance focused home working with valuable in‑person collaboration.
Responsibilities
- The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.
- Source and manage products to grow both brand and own brand sales and profitability.
- Work with suppliers to deliver best availability, profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Seek and react to customer feedback to help shape the category plan.
- Develop and communicate a category plan for the relevant product category.
- Ensure product range reflects customer needs, e.g. follows the principles of good, better and best.
- Communicate and develop relationships across other parts of the business, e.g. supply chain, sales teams and operations.
- Follow our Business Code of Conduct and always act with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion.
Operational Skills
- Exceptional communication & stakeholder management.
- Be able to work independently to problem solve and make commercial decisions.
- Solid understanding of commercial requirements, profit calculation, sales analysis.
- 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
- Understanding of Buying.
EEO and Inclusive Hiring
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’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Leader and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
Additional Conditions
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.
Contact
For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact recruitment@bookergroup.com.
Category Manager Designate - FTC employer: Booker
At Booker, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and development. As a Category Manager – Designate, you will benefit from a structured development programme, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the opportunity to make a real impact in a major UK business. Our hybrid working model ensures flexibility while promoting collaboration, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers in a supportive and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Designate - FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their category plans. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills and experiences that align with the role of Category Manager – Designate. Make it easy for them to see why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager Designate - FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in product management or category planning, and don’t forget to showcase your communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We want to see your thought process and how you approach decision-making, especially in a commercial context.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Booker
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the product categories relevant to the role. Understand current trends, customer preferences, and how they align with the company's offerings. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Manager Designate, exceptional communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders or resolved conflicts in the past. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your experiences clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to make commercial decisions or solve problems independently. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes. This will highlight your ability to manage a product portfolio and contribute to business decisions.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
This role requires flexibility in work approach. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances or learned new skills quickly. This will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a hybrid working environment and are open to growth.
