At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product categories, drive performance, and develop effective trading strategies.
- Company: Join Co-op Wholesale, a rapidly growing company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 28+ days holiday, and discounts on products.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey shaping the future of retail with impactful product ranges.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of buying practices and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Up to £55,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 6A)
Scunthorpe/Manchester (hybrid working - you'll spend two to three days a week working from the office, with Wednesdays always based in Scunthorpe)
Co-op Wholesale is growing, and we're looking for talented people who want to shape what comes next. As a Category Manager in our Trading team, you'll look after a group of products and decide what to sell, how much to stock, and how to price them so our wholesale partners get the right quantities, at the right time. Working closely with our group buying teams and your category's supplier base, you'll develop a market-leading range of products that help our partners thrive.
Why this role matters
Exciting things are happening at Co‑op Wholesale. We're growing fast, strengthening our offer for retailers, key accounts, and corporate partners, and we need great people to be part of our journey. To make this offer the best it can be, we need product ranges that really stand out and make the most of key market and seasonal opportunities. That's where you come in.
What you'll do
- Manage your product category and drive performance across channels
- Work with the Senior Category Manager to plan and deliver effective range, pricing, and promotional strategies
- Monitor category performance and make sure we're hitting our targets
- Use data and market insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
- Collaborate with colleagues across our GCL (Group Commercial and Logistics) teams
- Build strong supplier relationships to spark ideas and drive mutual success
What you'll bring
- Knowledge of buying practices and a willingness to develop your skills
- A track record of shaping and delivering effective trading strategies
- Great sales, negotiation, and supplier management skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to turn data and insights into actions that improve performance
Why Co‑op?
- An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
- 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
- A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- 30% discount on Co‑op products and 10% off other brands
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
- 24/7 colleague support service
- Training and support for your development and career progression
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
A place you'll belong
We're building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work. We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we'll support you.
Category Manager in Manchester employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Co-op Wholesale is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Scunthorpe and Manchester with hybrid working options. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to personal development, alongside a culture that values diversity and inclusion. With opportunities for career progression and a supportive atmosphere, Co-op Wholesale is dedicated to helping its team thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them thrive. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with buying practices and any successful trading strategies you've implemented. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in real situations. Whether it's negotiating with suppliers or analysing market data, we love seeing concrete evidence of your abilities in action.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves using data to drive decisions, make sure to mention any experience you have with data analysis. Share how you've turned insights into actions that improved performance in your previous roles. We’re all about making informed choices!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our Co-op family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific product category you'll be managing. Understand current trends, key competitors, and market dynamics. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've identified trends or opportunities through data analysis. This will demonstrate your ability to turn insights into actionable strategies, which is crucial for a Category Manager.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built strong relationships with suppliers or colleagues to achieve common goals.
✨Practice Your Negotiation Techniques
Negotiation is key in this role, so be ready to discuss your approach. Prepare a few scenarios where you've successfully negotiated terms or prices. This will help illustrate your sales and supplier management skills, making you a standout candidate.
