At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape product categories and drive profit while delighting customers.
- Company: Join a major UK business with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a structured development programme.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid work model for flexibility and collaboration.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career in a dynamic role with real impact on the business.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and operational knowledge are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the role
Reporting to: Category Manager
Based: Wellingborough / Watford
Job Summary
Play a key role in shaping our product categories, delighting customers, and driving cash profit - all while building standout skills in a major UK business. We’re excited to offer a 10-month fixed-term opportunity to join our Catering team as a Category Manager - Designate. This role is perfect for someone who wants to accelerate their career, gain hands-on experience in a large, well-established organisation, and develop the kind of commercial skills that open doors.
As a Category Manager - Designate, you’ll be stepping into a role designed around your growth. You’ll work closely with an experienced mentor, be supported by a structured development programme, and get real exposure to how a major product function operates. You’ll build confidence, learn how to manage a product portfolio, and contribute to decisions that genuinely impact the business. Whether you’re looking to step up, switch direction, or gain experience in a competitive field, this role gives you the platform to do it – with the backing of a respected brand and a team invested in your development. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to balance focused home working with valuable in-person collaboration.
Main Responsibilities
- The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.
- Source and manage products to grow both brand and own brand sales and profitability.
- Work with suppliers to deliver best availability, profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Seek and react to customer feedback to help shape the category plan.
- Develop and communicate a category plan for the relevant product category.
- Ensure product range reflects customer needs, e.g. follows the principles of good, better and best.
- Communicate and develop relationships across other parts of the business, e.g. supply chain, sales teams and operations.
- Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion.
You will need Operational skills relevant for this job Exceptional communication.
Category Manager Designate - FTC employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Join a leading UK business as a Category Manager - Designate and experience a supportive work culture that prioritises your professional growth. With a structured development programme, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the flexibility of a hybrid working model, you will have the opportunity to enhance your commercial skills while making a tangible impact on product categories. This role not only offers competitive benefits but also fosters an inclusive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Designate - FTC
✨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 refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience and skills make you the perfect fit for the Category Manager - Designate role. Keep it concise and focus on what you can bring to the team.
✨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 Category Manager Designate - FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager - Designate role. Highlight any relevant experience in product management or customer feedback analysis to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you a great candidate. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the product categories relevant to the role. Understand current trends, customer preferences, and how they align with the company's offerings. This will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Manager - Designate, exceptional communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive collaboration.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Customer Feedback
Think about how you've used customer feedback to shape product decisions in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you reacted to feedback and how it positively impacted sales or customer satisfaction.
✨Emphasise Your Growth Mindset
This role is all about development, so highlight your eagerness to learn and grow. Share examples of how you've embraced challenges in the past and what you've learned from them. This will resonate well with the company's focus on personal development.
