Global Category Manager

A large multinational PPE and protective gear manufacturing company is seeking a Global Category Manager to lead the implementation of the Company’s portfolio strategy and ensure the company’s continued growth. The Global Category Manager will have a minimum of 7 years of experience in R&D, sales and marketing, category management, or a similar field. In addition, you will have a strong background in CBRN, ideally in the PPE or health and safety sectors, with demonstrated product management success in B2B or B2C environments. You will have strong leadership, project management, financial management, IT and communication skills, as well as being a team player, analytical and results-oriented. Applications from ex-military personnel are strongly encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the development of the category management strategy for a range of Company products.
• Leads and actively drives the overall product lifecycle of the assigned product range/portfolio.
• Monitors and acts upon sales and field reports, pricing levels and competition in the product area.
• Be responsible for the Internal Management of products in the portfolio.
• Provides guidance/support in the definition, development, introduction and positioning of new products.
• Be the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for the assigned product category.
• Provides expertise and leadership to ensure complete and accurate product specifications, operational efficiency and optimisation.
• Develops and maintains benchmarking intelligence on key competitors for assigned products and assumes a leadership role in organising critical technical, regulatory, and quality assurance initiatives.
• Contributes to the development, management and improvement of product specifications, quality systems and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and company standards.
• Actively participates in Sales and Operations planning efforts.
• Acts as the technical point of reference for assigned product categories.
• Ensures products meet applicable standards and customer requirements.
• Provides technical product support to regional teams and customers.
• Contributes to product validation activities to support continuous improvement of the portfolio.
• Maintains strong technical and market knowledge of the portfolio to support product development, lifecycle management and customer adoption.

Knowledge, skills and qualifications

Essential

• Have a minimum of 7 years of experience in R&D, sales and marketing, category management or similar.
• Have a strong background in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear).
• Demonstrated product/category management success in B2B environments.
• Experience in leading or coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Worked in a matrix, global, multinational environment or similar.
• Have strong project management, financial management, IT, communication, and leadership skills.
• Is a team player, analytical, and results-oriented.
• Will be able to travel across the UK and internationally.
• Business acumen, customer-oriented and strong entrepreneurial spirit.
• Have an understanding and exposure to relevant B2B and B2C channels and markets.

Desirable

• Completed a bachelor’s degree.
• Completed an MBA.
• Have a background in the PPE / health and safety industries.

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 DOE

Benefits: bonus, career development, and more to be discussed at interview.