Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category management and develop exclusive brand ranges in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Bunzl Greenham, a leader in procurement with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and training support for CIPS qualification.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while building valuable supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Some experience in procurement or supply chain; strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values curiosity and initiative.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location - London, Birmingham or Manchester
Hours - Monday - Friday 37.5
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and ambitious Junior Category Manager to support the development and management of our Contractors, Site Equipment, and Tooling categories. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their procurement or supply chain career who is eager to gain hands-on experience, build supplier relationships, and contribute to a high-impact category portfolio.
In addition to day-to-day category responsibilities, you will play a key role in supporting the development of exclusive brand ranges, helping to shape differentiated product offerings that strengthen our market position and deliver value to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Category Team in developing category strategies for Contractors, Site Equipment, and Tooling.
- Assist in the creation and development of exclusive brand ranges, including product selection, supplier collaboration, and range performance monitoring.
- Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive insights.
- Engage with suppliers to ensure strong performance, competitive pricing, and contract compliance.
- Maintain and update procurement data, contracts, and supplier records.
- Work collaboratively with site teams to understand equipment/tooling needs and ensure timely supply.
- Monitor spend, identify cost-saving opportunities, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support risk management activities to ensure safe and compliant supply partners.
- Help prepare category reports, KPIs, and performance summaries for leadership review.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Some experience in procurement, supply chain, commercial administration, or a similar role.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills with great attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence others.
- Confident using MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset and a willingness to learn.
Desirable:
- Experience working with contractors, hire equipment, tooling, or construction-related categories.
- Exposure to product development, branding, or exclusive/private label ranges.
- Knowledge of category management principles or CIPS qualifications (or willingness to study).
Who you are:
- Curious, enthusiastic, and eager to build a career in procurement.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- A relationship builder who enjoys working with both suppliers and internal teams.
- Someone who takes initiative and wants to be part of a high-performing procurement function.
What We Offer
- A supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Exposure to key procurement processes and strategic category development.
- Opportunities to participate in developing market-leading exclusive product ranges.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Training opportunities, including support towards CIPS qualification.
- The chance to make a real impact in a vital category area.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Bunzl Greenham, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to perform at their best. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are dedicated to building a diverse workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve. We are an equal opportunities employer and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Junior Category Manager in Manchester employer: Bunzl UK and Ireland
Contact Detail:
Bunzl UK and Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager in Manchester
✨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 category management strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your enthusiasm for their products and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Junior Category Manager role. Highlight your analytical skills and any relevant experience, even if it’s from internships or projects.
✨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 Junior Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Category Manager role. Highlight any relevant procurement or supply chain experience, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical and organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your proactive mindset and eagerness to learn – we love that!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with suppliers and internal teams, make sure your application demonstrates your excellent communication abilities. Whether it’s through your CV or cover letter, let us see how you can influence and build relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bunzl UK and Ireland
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the Contractors, Site Equipment, and Tooling categories. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical skills, prepare to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've used data to make decisions or improve processes. Bring along any relevant reports or analyses you've done to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their category strategies, supplier relationships, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Proactive Mindset
The job description emphasises a proactive approach. Be ready to share instances where you've taken the initiative in previous roles or projects. This could be anything from suggesting improvements to processes or taking on additional responsibilities to support your team.