Category Manager

Category Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Fane Valley

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and build strong supplier partnerships for product categories.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at our Head Office in Moira.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to influence product strategy.
  • Other info: Ideal for self-motivated team players with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
  • Why this job: Shape product ranges and drive commercial excellence in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Third level qualification in Procurement or related field; 5 years' experience required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven Category Manager to join our Procurement team at our Head Office in Moira.

This role offers the chance to influence product strategy, build strong supplier partnerships and deliver commercial excellence.

About the Role

As a key member of the Stores Procurement team, the Category Manager will lead the full procurement strategy for a defined portfolio of product categories.

This role plays a pivotal part in shaping product ranges, building and managing strategic supplier partnerships, driving commercial negotiations and providing informed guidance on stocking levels to support the Purchasing team and overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build strong relationships with internal teams and key suppliers to support efficient procurement.
  • Manage supplier negotiations and procurement for an assigned product portfolio.
  • Develop and maintain product ranges, pricing and stock levels to maximise availability and sales.
  • Plan and deliver seasonal promotions, including marketing, stock planning and store engagement.
  • Monitor market trends and benchmark pricing to ensure competitiveness.
  • Prepare category performance reports and present updates to management and store teams.
  • Support online product listings and ensure effective delivery performance of the e-commerce platform.
  • Assist in system improvements, reporting and budget performance tracking.
  • Comply with company policies, health & safety requirements and participate in relevant training.
  • The Person
  • The successful candidate will ideally have a third level qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture or a business-related discipline.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ sales or procurement experience.
  • Self‑motivated team player who can work independently and collaboratively.
  • Proven negotiations skills with the ability to build and sustain strong business relationships.
  • Strong IT and analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel, experience in data analysis and reporting and knowledge of procurement software and ERP systems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communicator, able to engage stakeholders at all levels effectively.
  • Experience of working within retail or agri‑retail sector would be an advantage as would a farming background and excellent presentation skills.
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Category Manager employer: Fane Valley

Join our dynamic Pullet Rearing business as a Planning and Production Co-Ordinator, where you'll be part of a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With an attractive benefits package including healthcare, pension plans, and a focus on personal development, we empower our team to excel in a fast-paced environment while making a meaningful impact in the agriculture industry. Located in a vibrant area, this role offers unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation within a dedicated team.

Fane Valley

Contact Details:

Fane Valley Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

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 Fane Valley.

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

Procurement Strategy
Supplier Negotiations
Product Range Development
Pricing Management
Stock Level Management
Market Trend Analysis
Category Performance Reporting

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 Fane Valley:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Fane Valley. 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 Fane Valley.

How to prepare for a job interview at Fane Valley

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 Fane Valley!

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 Fane Valley. 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 Fane Valley's culture.