At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Christmas gifting category and create an unforgettable festive experience.
- Company: Join Boots, a supportive and inclusive employer dedicated to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous discounts, retirement savings, and 24/7 support.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we support your unique needs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact this Christmas while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or category management with strong financial skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Location: Nottingham
Recruitment Partner: Anastasia Walker
Are you ready to make a difference this festive season? Join Boots as a Category Manager - Christmas in Nottingham and play a pivotal role in shaping our Christmas gifting range for 2026! At Boots, we believe in building a brilliant environment for our people, empowering you to deliver care, confidence, and connection to our customers. As part of our General Merchandise Business Unit, you will lead a dynamic team and collaborate with various departments to create a compelling and customer‑focused gifting experience.
What you'll be doing
- Own and deliver the commercial plan for the Christmas gifting category.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of four direct reports.
- Collaborate with ISM, Finance, Supply Chain, and Merchandising to execute an integrated category plan.
- Build and manage strong supplier partnerships to develop exclusive and differentiated product ranges.
- Develop and execute a clear, customer‑led seasonal trading strategy to ensure operational excellence for a seamless Christmas launch.
What you'll need to have (our must‑haves)
- Previous experience working within a buying or category team.
- Strong financial knowledge and acumen.
- Line management experience.
It would be great if you also have
- A creative mindset to drive product development.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Where your brilliance can take you
At Boots, we are committed to your growth and development. You will have the opportunity to learn something new every day and shape your career path within our supportive environment.
Rewards designed for you
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution)
- Generous employee discounts for you and a family member
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
There's lots more in our benefits and discounts, MyBoosts – there to give you that little lift in your everyday. Find out more at http://boots.jobs/rewards. Exclusions may apply; eligible roles only.
A bit about us
At Boots, we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we're committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
What's next?
If you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps. Where a role is advertised as full‑time, we are open to discussing part‑time and job share options. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you be at your best. We hope to hear from you soon. Be brilliant with Boots.
Category Manager - Christmas employer: Boots
At Boots, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Category Manager - Christmas in Nottingham, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy extensive growth opportunities, generous benefits including a robust retirement savings plan and employee discounts, and the chance to make a meaningful impact during the festive season. Join us in creating exceptional customer experiences while being supported in your personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Christmas
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might have insights into Boots or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Boots' values and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission of delivering care and connection during the festive season.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your previous experience aligns with the role of Category Manager - Christmas. Highlight your financial acumen and team leadership skills to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Boots family!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Christmas
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager - Christmas role. Highlight your experience in buying or category teams, and showcase how your skills align with the festive season's demands.
Showcase Your Creativity:Since this role involves product development, don’t shy away from sharing any creative ideas you have for Christmas gifting. We love seeing innovative thinking, so let your imagination shine through!
Highlight Team Leadership Experience:As you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to emphasise your line management experience. Share examples of how you've coached and developed team members in the past to demonstrate your leadership style.
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 we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boots
✨Know Your Christmas Gifting Trends
Before the interview, dive into the latest trends in Christmas gifting. Research popular products and customer preferences to show that you’re not just familiar with the category but also passionate about it. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the market and how you can contribute to Boots' success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you foster collaboration and creativity within your team.
✨Prepare for Cross-Department Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various departments like Finance and Supply Chain, be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve integrated diverse perspectives to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your financial knowledge related to category management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used financial data to drive decisions in the past. This could include examples of how you’ve managed budgets or maximised profitability in previous roles.
