At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management, negotiate with suppliers, and develop strategic plans for maximum profitability.
- Company: Join City Plumbing, a leader in plumbing and heating products with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, discounts, flexible working, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for development and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while building a successful career in a friendly team.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for customer service.
The Role: As the Commercial Heating Category Manager, you'll join an established Category function. The Category Manager will play a key role in supporting the business in all things category. You will handle negotiation, procurement, and pricing of all products within your designated Category.
Key Responsibilities:
- Delivering maximum sales and profitability by building a clear strategic plan.
- Develop and build category plan to deliver market share growth informed by internal and external insight to maximise commercial position and provide the best customer proposition.
- Managing SKU level cost and retail price in line with pricing and promotional strategy.
- Building strong partnerships with suppliers to maximise business opportunities.
- Roll out a clear sourcing strategy to ensure the supply of quality products that meet customer needs through the most efficient route to market.
- Develop direct reports to ensure full engagement and individual growth of teams.
- Clearly communicating Category plans to a wider network of teams within the department.
This is a hybrid-based role with travel into our head office based in Crick, Northamptonshire, three times a week.
You: You'll live and breathe our Customer First ethos, with a commercial and strategic vision when it comes to Category Management. You'll enjoy working collaboratively with the wider team and you'll be committed to acting with integrity and honesty in everything you do.
Skills and competencies:
- Experienced in category management or buying/procurement.
- Experience working with suppliers in the commercial heating category.
- Developing and executing a category strategy - buying, sourcing, negotiating, pricing, etc.
- Motivated to achieve deadlines/targets.
- Excellent attention-to-detail, planning, and organisational skills.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills (written and verbal) at all levels.
- Experience of leading a team.
It is highly likely you will have worked in any of the following roles and/or markets, and worked with the following products and/or services: Category Manager, Assistant Category Manager, Procurement Assistant, Procurement Manager, Buying Assistant, Buying Manager, Building, Construction, Trade, Manufacturing, Retail, FMCG or Supermarkets.
Us: From boilers to bathroom suites, tubing to towel rails and everything in between, City Plumbing has all the products our customers need to complete the job. We're proud of our reputation for selling quality plumbing and heating products to both trade and retail customers and we're super excited about our future. We put our colleagues at the heart of all we do, giving them all the tools they need to be successful, happy and feel rewarded in their career with us.
Benefits Package and Cultural Environment:
- Bonus.
- Discounts, savings and cash back at numerous retailers.
- Life assurance.
- Extended family policy including maternity, paternity, additional annual leave and more.
- Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Complete induction and a company that lets you grow and encourages development.
- Financial education and loans.
- Flexible working options.
- A business striving to create an environment of inclusion so everyone can be their true self.
We're passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Bring your whole self to work regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We don't want you to 'fit' our culture, we want you to enrich it.
Category Manager in London employer: City Plumbing
At The Bathroom Showroom, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Showroom Sales Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your career growth aligns with our commitment to excellence. Located in a dynamic area, our showroom offers a unique environment where creativity meets customer satisfaction, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨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 City Plumbing.
✨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 in London
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 City Plumbing:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to City Plumbing. 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 City Plumbing.
How to prepare for a job interview at City Plumbing
✨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 City Plumbing!
✨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 City Plumbing. 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 City Plumbing's culture.