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- Tasks: Manage product portfolios and drive sales through strategic supplier partnerships.
- Company: Cromwell, a leading supplier in tools and safety equipment for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on product strategy and growth.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is responsible for developing and managing a product portfolio to drive sales and profitable growth, using market intelligence and industry knowledge to ensure we have the best products to service our customers. Working in partnership with our centrally managed suppliers and in collaboration with cross-functional colleagues to maximise supplier commercial opportunities, ensuring the most competitive procurement costs and increasing supplier income.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive Salary
- Company Bonus
- Competitive annual leave allowance with annual purchase scheme
- Group Personal Pension
- Company Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
- Commitment to employee development plans
- 24/7 Wellbeing and Employee Support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Other benefits include Company Sick Pay, Company Maternity & Paternity Pay, Discount Benefits Platform and Discounted Cromwell Products
What will you do on a normal day?
- Define & Execute Category Strategy including Exclusive Brand development
- Complete high quality range reviews addressing relevance portfolio opportunities using the situational analysis 5 lens approach.
- Drive Exclusive Brand
- Develop plans to improve sales and margin whilst creating a compelling exclusive range that creates “stickiness for our customers”
- Work with suppliers to develop and execute marketing programs geared towards profitable revenue growth, thinking digital first
- Manage product introduction, growth, maturity, and exit including driving through excess/obsolete inventory.
- Analysis and reporting of product line and category performance
- Supplier negotiations to include but not limited to marketing funding, rebates, product cost prices, payment terms, scorecards, and performance metrics.
- Identify the best suppliers for Cromwell’s product portfolio
- Negotiate, document and maintain contractual agreements between Cromwell and its suppliers
- Line Management of direct reports
Key Relationships:
- Product & Buying Director
- Product Business Unit Directors
- External Suppliers
- Purchasing & Inventory Teams
- Global Sourcing Team
- Merchandising & Marketing Teams (e.g., Direct Marketing; Digital Content)
- Master Data Management Team
- Sales Team
- Operations / Branch Network Teams
- Finance Teams (e.g., Accounts Payable; Performance Reporting)
- Legal & Compliance Teams
What are we looking for?
- Experience within a distribution environment and/or knowledge of a broad line distributor.
- Commercial astute working within a high paced reselling environment.
- Experience in delivering multi brand strategies to the product portfolio.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role negotiating supplier commercial agreements.
- Demonstrable track record of successful commercial negotiations that have increased bottom-line profit.
- Knowledge and experience of monitoring and managing annual Cost of Goods Sold (CoGs) within specified guidelines.
- Thinks digital first
Essential Qualifications & Skills:
- Category Management expertise
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (desirable).
- Outstanding verbal and written communication.
- Strong decision making and influencing skills across different levels of colleagues and suppliers.
- Demonstrable commercial knowledge, specifically around supplier commercial agreements.
- Strong IT skills including a good understanding and usage of Microsoft Office packages.
About Cromwell:
Cromwell has been around for over 50 years, supplying an unrivalled choice of cutting tools, power tools, hand tools and safety equipment into all industries, professions and trades. We offer next day delivery or collection from our nationwide branch network, supported by an overnight UK logistics operation. Our team of over 1500 people are proud to be keeping industry working. We’re all individuals, yet we’re very much one united team. We treat everyone fairly – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, background, age or disability – and give everyone opportunities for new and varied experiences. Inclusion means not just accepting people for who they are, but showing respect and making adjustments to help people and remove all barriers; it’s about creating a culture where everyone is respected, empowered and able to realise their full potential. Cromwell is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are also committed to offering applicants from the armed forces community an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Category Manager (7248) in Leicester employer: Cromwell Tools Export
Contact Detail:
Cromwell Tools Export Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager (7248) in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their product portfolio and market position. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in driving their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate supplier agreements. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach. We believe in you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager (7248) in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise: Make sure to highlight your experience in category management and supplier negotiations. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cromwell Tools Export
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the category management landscape. Understand the latest 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 Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how these negotiations positively impacted the bottom line. This is crucial for a role that involves supplier agreements and cost management.
✨Demonstrate Digital Savvy
Since the role emphasises a 'digital first' approach, be ready to discuss how you've used digital tools and strategies in previous roles. Share any marketing initiatives you've executed that drove product performance through online channels.
✨Build Relationships with Key Stakeholders
Think about how you can foster collaboration with cross-functional teams. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully worked with suppliers, marketing teams, and finance departments in the past to achieve common goals.