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- Tasks: Support category plans and growth targets while analysing market insights.
- Company: Join Sysco GB, a leading foodservice business with a focus on diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous holiday, and discounts on food and entertainment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in category management and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Open to all backgrounds; analytical mindset and proactivity are key.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel; excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Brakes has a fantastic opportunity for a Category Manager to join us on a full time, permanent basis. This role will support the development & delivery of the category plans and in‑year growth targets.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Category Manager you will support the delivery of actionable category insight, range management and optimisation, and strategy development in line with Sysco GB’s targets. This role is offering remote working; however the successful candidate must be comfortable with occasional travel to meet with different suppliers and the team located in Ashford, Kent.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Use customer, market, and supplier insight for category performance analysis, supporting the senior category team with strategy development to meet in‑year targets.
- Review and analyse category performance each month, working with the senior team to adapt the category strategy and marketing plan to maximise opportunities.
- Support in presenting category opportunities to the wider team, including sales.
- Be the expert and custodian of your range, providing knowledge, expertise and support to the wider merchandising team and other business functions such as supply chain and sales teams.
- Run promotions and implement intelligent pricing recommendations to protect existing business and grow new opportunities.
- Manage the life cycle of your range – curating a selection of products that meet our customer needs whilst balancing the need for operational efficiency.
- Develop strategic relationships with partner suppliers, to drive growth and support margin investment opportunities across range, promotions, and marketing plans.
- Manage the yearly marketing plan for the category, including branded supplier activation.
- Supporting corporate sustainability policy, ensuring that all opportunities for recognition with accreditation bodies are realised and supporting the transition to free‑range eggs.
- Ownership of category data, ensuring internal and external facing content is accurate.
- Act up and deputise for the Senior Category Manager during periods of annual leave.
- Supporting the marketing function at external events and trade shows across the UK.
About you
For this role, potential is as important as experience. You may already have some knowledge of category management and market insight, or you may come from a different commercial background such as supply chain, marketing, or finance. You may be relatively early in your career or may be looking for a change and feel you have transferable skills that align to the role.
We are looking for someone who is pro‑active and willing to get involved in projects across the category, supporting on the day‑to‑day tasks through to longer term projects. We want somebody who will enjoy dealing with different people across the business, from other departments to suppliers and customers. An analytical mindset and an interest in market data is also desirable.
What you’ll receive
- A competitive salary.
- Car allowance of £5,500 per annum.
- Pension scheme.
- Single private medical healthcare cover.
- Generous holiday allowance of 25 days, with option to purchase additional holidays + bank holidays.
- Huge discounts on all sorts of lovely food and award‑winning products through our staff shop.
- Discounts on cinema tickets, shopping and earn cashback on purchases through Sodexo.
- Recognition awards and incentives.
- Real career opportunities – being part of Sysco, the world’s leading foodservice business, opens up a world of possibility.
Additional Information
At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco GB and we recognise that Sysco GB can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We’ll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.
Contact Detail:
Brakes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 culture. Understand their products and market position, so you can show how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since this role involves presenting category opportunities, being comfortable speaking in front of others is key. Grab a friend or family member and run through your pitch to build confidence.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around category management and data analysis.
Show Your Analytical Side: Since this role involves dealing with large datasets, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve performance in previous roles.
Be Personable: We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share a bit about your personality and how you enjoy working with different teams. This will help us see if you’re a good fit for our culture!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes
✨Know Your Data
As a Category Manager, you'll be dealing with large datasets. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Bring examples of trends you've identified and how they influenced category strategies.
✨Showcase Your Presentation Skills
You'll need to present category opportunities to various teams, including senior management. Practice your presentation skills ahead of time. Consider doing a mock presentation for friends or family to get comfortable speaking in front of an audience.
✨Understand the Market
Research the company and its competitors thoroughly. Be ready to discuss market insights and how they can impact category performance. Showing that you understand the landscape will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness for the role.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves working closely with suppliers and different departments. Think about how you've successfully built relationships in the past and be ready to share those experiences. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to collaborate effectively.
