At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product categories, build supplier relationships, and drive growth across Chadwicks Group.
- Company: Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant with a great workplace culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, health insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel across Ireland and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the builders' merchant industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in buying or category management, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us:
Chadwicks Group is Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant, with well-known brands including Chadwicks, Cork Builders Providers, Davies, Telfords, Heitons Steel, The Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Proline, HSS Hire & Sitetech in the Republic of Ireland. We’re proud to be listed as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces in the Great Places to Work Index. Macnaughton Blair is the market leader in Northern Ireland, with a strong foundation in the traditional Builders Merchants division. Our trusted brands MacBlair, Watershed, Doorways, and Wood Floor Warehouse are synonymous with quality and reliability.
The Role:
As Category Manager, you’ll play a key role in managing and developing product categories across Chadwicks Group and MacNaughton Blair. Reporting to the Head of Category, you’ll help drive growth, support our central distribution strategy, and ensure we’re always offering the best range, value, and service to our customers. The role will also require regular travel across the island of Ireland to Chadwicks locations, as well as engagement with suppliers to support category development and strengthen key partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Category Growth: Support the ongoing development and growth of existing categories, while helping to build new ones such as Tools, Power-Tools & associated ranges.
- Supplier Management: Build and nurture strong supplier relationships, ensuring we get the best terms and the highest quality products for our customers.
- Stock & Inventory: Monitor and manage stock levels across multiple locations, optimising inventory to meet demand and minimise dead stock.
- Promotional Activity: Work with the team to deliver engaging promotional campaigns that showcase our range, drive footfall, and support our online and in-branch sales.
- Central Distribution: Be a key contributor to the evolution and extension of our central distribution model, ensuring efficient supply to all branches.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with colleagues across sales, operations, logistics, and marketing, as well as with our suppliers and customers in both ROI and NI.
- Digital Support: Support the development of our online trade platform, Chadwicks.ie, ensuring our digital offer is as strong as our in-branch experience.
- Market Insight: Keep up to date with market trends, competitor activity, and new product developments, bringing fresh ideas to the team.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.
- Teamwork: Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture, supporting your colleagues and maintain a strong workplace culture.
- Business Travel: Some travel to branches and suppliers across the Island of Ireland is part of the role.
Preferred Knowledge & Experience:
- 3+ years’ experience in buying, procurement, or category management, ideally in building materials, retail, or a related sector.
- Familiarity with construction materials, industry regulations, and market trends is an advantage.
- Superb negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency with category management software and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
- Analytical mindset with great attention to detail.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-site organisation.
Essential Competencies:
- Commercial awareness and a practical, solutions-focused approach.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work as part of a diverse team and build relationships across the business.
- Flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
- Motivation to achieve targets and deliver results.
Key Performance Measures:
- Revenue and margin growth in your categories.
- Stock availability, dead stock, and inventory management.
- Supplier performance and cost savings.
- Success of promotional activity and new product launches.
- Stakeholder satisfaction and feedback.
- Contribution to team culture and continuous improvement.
Team & Budget:
Part of the wider category team. No direct reports. Purchasing responsibility: £50–100m.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Salary
- Performance Bonus
- Health Insurance
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Life Assurance
- Colleague Discount
- Educational Assistance & Wellness Initiatives
- Hybrid working
Category Manager/Buyer in Newtownabbey employer: Chadwicks Group
Chadwicks Group is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Manager/Buyer, you will benefit from competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth, all while working in a supportive environment that values employee well-being through health insurance and wellness initiatives. With the chance to engage with leading suppliers and contribute to the evolution of our central distribution model across the beautiful Island of Ireland, this role promises a rewarding career path in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager/Buyer in Newtownabbey
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Chadwicks Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager/Buyer in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Chadwicks Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chadwicks Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Chadwicks Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwicks Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Chadwicks Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Chadwicks Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Chadwicks Group's culture.
