At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product portfolios and drive sales through strategic supplier partnerships.
- Company: Cromwell, a dynamic company focused on keeping industry working.
- Benefits: Company bonus, healthcare plan, generous leave, and employee development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a team that values your growth while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
No matter where you are in your career – or where you want to be – we’re here to create a great place to work where you can grow, perform and love what you do. At Cromwell, we’re all individuals, with unique backgrounds and personalities. But we have one thing in common: delivering exceptional service for our customers. And we do this through our purpose of Keeping Industry Working.
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?
- Company Bonus
- Competitive annual leave allowance with annual purchase scheme
- 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
- Range Reviews
- 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”
- Marketing Initiatives: Work with suppliers to develop and execute marketing programs geared towards profitable revenue growth, thinking digital first
- Product Life Cycle Management: Manage product introduction, growth, maturity, and exit including driving through excess/obsolete inventory.
- Analysis and reporting of product line and category performance
- Product Costing: Supplier negotiations to include but not limited to marketing funding, rebates, product cost prices, payment terms, scorecards, and performance metrics.
- Supplier Selection and Agreements: Identify the best suppliers for Cromwell’s product portfolio. Negotiate, document and maintaining 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
- Master Data Management 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).
- 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.
Category Manager in Leicester employer: Cromwell
Cromwell is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive work culture where individuals can thrive. With competitive benefits such as a company bonus, funded healthcare, and a commitment to personal development, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to the company's mission of Keeping Industry Working. Located in a dynamic environment, this role as Category Manager provides unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate supplier agreements. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in managing product portfolios and any successful negotiations you've led. We want to see how your unique background fits into our mission of Keeping Industry Working!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our goals. Don’t forget to mention your experience in a distribution environment and your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage supplier relationships. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cromwell
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the category management landscape. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market intelligence relevant to Cromwell's product portfolio. This will not only show your passion but also your readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how these experiences have positively impacted the bottom line. Cromwell values commercial acumen, so demonstrating your ability to negotiate effectively will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Cromwell thrives on teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your ability to build relationships and drive results through collaboration, especially with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
✨Think Digital First
Given the emphasis on digital initiatives, come prepared with ideas on how to leverage digital tools for marketing and product lifecycle management. Discuss any relevant experience you have with digital strategies that have driven sales or improved customer engagement.
