At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape product categories, delight customers, and drive profit in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a major UK business with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Discounts at Tesco, health support, pension plan, and a great holiday package.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career with hands-on experience and mentorship in a respected brand.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for commercial decision-making.
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 & stakeholder management
- Be able to work independently to problem solve and make commercial decisions
- Solid understanding of commercial requirements, profit calculation, sales analysis
- Attention to detail, writing of reports, interpreting data and keeping of accurate records.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant markets and market developments
- Ability to flex work approach
Experience relevant for this job:
- Understanding of Buying
What's in it for you:
- A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
- After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four‑weekly pay day, i.e. thirteen times a year.
- In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
- 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals throughout the year.
- Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
- Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
- 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
- An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
- After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
- Retirement savings plan (pension) – save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
- Life Assurance – You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay.
- Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
- A great holiday package.
Category Manager Designate - FTC in Wellingborough employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Join a leading UK business as a Category Manager - Designate in Wellingborough or Watford, where you'll have the opportunity to develop your commercial skills in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, our structured development programme and mentorship will empower you to make impactful decisions while enjoying a range of benefits including discounts at Tesco and comprehensive health support. Experience a hybrid work culture that values collaboration and flexibility, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful career advancement.
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 in Wellingborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its products. Show us that you understand their market and how you can contribute to their category plans. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around stakeholder management and problem-solving. We want to see how you think on your feet and handle real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager Designate - FTC in Wellingborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager - Designate role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying and stakeholder management, and show us how you can contribute to our product categories.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your exceptional communication skills and attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully managed projects or solved problems in a commercial setting.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value diversity and inclusion, so don’t hesitate to share what makes you unique and how you can bring that to our team. Authenticity goes a long way in making a great impression.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Catering team!
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 knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and insight during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Manager - Designate, you'll need exceptional communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholder relationships or communicated complex ideas in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to collaborate across teams.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenges, particularly in buying or managing product portfolios. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your understanding of profit calculations and sales analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in past roles. Showing that you can think commercially will set you apart as a strong candidate for this position.
