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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise the Lightside categories for a growing builders' merchant.
- Company: Elliotts, a reputable independent builders' merchant in Hampshire.
- Benefits: High autonomy, direct impact on performance, and opportunity to shape a category.
- Other info: Collaborative leadership team and regular engagement across branches.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a thriving business with untapped potential.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial/category management experience and proven sales growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Elliotts is a well-established, independent builders’ merchant with a strong reputation, loyal customer base, and consistent growth. With solid foundations in place, the business is now focused on unlocking further commercial potential.
The Opportunity
- Elliotts is hiring a Commercial Manager to lead its Lightside categories: everything within the shop area of its branches: tools, consumables, fixings etc. This is a shift from a traditional buying role to full commercial ownership.
- Own your category end-to-end
- Develop and execute a clear growth strategy
- Optimise range, pricing, and supplier performance
- Drive sales and margin through better decisions
- Influence branches, sales teams, and suppliers
There is clear untapped potential in this category, requiring strong ownership to realise it.
The Environment
- Long established, independent and growing
- Strong regional reputation
- Established supplier base with optimisation opportunities
- Collaborative, commercially focused leadership team
- Clear ambition to improve category performance
The Role
- Take full responsibility for category performance
- Deliver a clear commercial plan
- Improve customer proposition (range, price, availability)
- Drive measurable sales and margin growth
- Lead decisions and implement change
The Person
- Have strong commercial/category management experience in similar products and environments
- Be a Commercial or Category Manager (or similar)
- Demonstrate proven sales and margin growth
- Be confident influencing stakeholders
- Have a proactive, results-driven mindset
Why Elliotts
- High level of autonomy and ownership
- Direct impact on business performance
- Opportunity to shape and grow a category
Location
Hampshire – with visibility across the business and regular stakeholder engagement. Regular presence in Southampton HQ and across the branch network required, with occasional travel further afield to visit suppliers and for events etc.
Interested? For a confidential discussion, please send your CV to cv@wilsonbrook.com. All conversations handled with complete discretion. This assignment is being led by Imogen Pearson.
Commercial Manager in Hampshire employer: Elliotts Builders Merchant
Contact Detail:
Elliotts Builders Merchant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past successes in category management. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your ability to drive sales and margin growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to companies like Elliotts directly. Express your interest in their commercial opportunities and how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! When you get that interview, be ready to discuss how you would optimise range, pricing, and supplier performance. Show them you’re the results-driven candidate they need to unlock their category's potential.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in category management and any proven sales growth you've achieved. We want to see how you can bring value to Elliotts!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the Lightside categories and how you plan to drive sales and margin growth. Let us see your passion!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Influence: In your application, don’t forget to mention your experience influencing stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can engage with branches, sales teams, and suppliers effectively. Give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliotts Builders Merchant
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Lightside categories you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with tools, consumables, and fixings. Being able to discuss specific products and trends will show your passion and expertise.
✨Craft a Clear Growth Strategy
Prepare a mock growth strategy for the category. Think about how you would optimise range, pricing, and supplier performance. Presenting a well-thought-out plan can impress the interviewers and demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Influence
Think of examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share these stories during the interview, as this role requires strong collaboration with branches, sales teams, and suppliers.
✨Emphasise Results-Driven Mindset
Highlight your past achievements in driving sales and margin growth. Use specific metrics to back up your claims. This will help convey that you're not just about ideas but also about delivering tangible results.