At a Glance
- Tasks: Maximise profitability of grocery categories and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts at Tesco, health support, and a generous holiday package.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the grocery sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in buying fresh products.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a driven and commercially minded Category Manager to join our Grocery team. In this role, you will play a key part in maximising the profitability of specified product categories, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving cash profit across the business. This role can be based out of Wellingborough, Eccles or Watford.
Responsibilities
- The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.
- Growth of own brand business, sourcing as appropriate to grow sales and margins.
- 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.
- Respond to customer queries and complaints professionally, at speed.
- Communicate category plans and objectives for relevant product categories, ensuring understanding and buy-in is achieved.
- Ensure product area in the business centres reflect the principles of good, better and best.
- Work as part of the team to identify opportunities and develop or improve ways of working.
- Follow our Business Code of Conduct and act with integrity and due diligence, championing diversity and inclusion.
Qualifications
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems and make commercial decisions.
- Attention to detail, written reporting, data interpretation and accurate record keeping.
- Knowledge of relevant markets and market developments.
- Flexibility in work approach.
Experience
- Previous experience buying fresh products.
- Extensive experience working in the FMCG sector.
- Proven record of working autonomously.
- Experience in development and management of marketing campaigns.
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, and additional discounts at Tesco Cafe and F&F purchases.
- 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile.
- Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank.
- Free eye test when you spend £50 or more; 30% off on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
- 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
- Access to a deals and discounts website, including a cycle to work scheme.
- Annual Save As You Earn share scheme after 3 months service.
- Retirement savings plan – save up to 5%, Booker will match contributions.
- Life Assurance – death in service coverage up to three times annual pay.
- Health and wellbeing support including a 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
- Generous holiday package.
Eligibility
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.
Buying / Category Manager - Grocery in Wellingborough employer: Booker
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Category Manager in our Grocery division, where your contributions will directly impact profitability and customer satisfaction. With locations in Wellingborough, Eccles, and Watford, we offer a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion, alongside exceptional employee benefits such as discounts at Tesco and comprehensive health support. We prioritise your professional growth with opportunities for development and a commitment to maintaining a positive work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying / Category Manager - Grocery in Wellingborough
✨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 Booker, 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 Booker!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying / Category Manager - Grocery in Wellingborough
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 Booker, 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 Booker 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 Booker that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Booker
✨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!
