Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London
Category Manager – Servicing & MOT

Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales and maximise gross margin in the Servicing & MOT category.
  • Company: Join Halfords, the UK's leading provider of motoring and cycling products.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of motoring services and customer experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or Buying with strong commercial acumen.
  • Other info: Opportunity to lead, coach, and influence senior leadership teams.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Halfords is the UK’s leading provider of motoring and cycling products and services. Our mission is to inspire and support a lifetime of motoring and cycling. As a specialist retailer, we lead the market through customer-driven innovation and a distinctive product range. We’re committed to delivering an integrated, convenient service experience – from e‑bike and electric vehicle servicing to on‑demand solutions. At Halfords, we strive to build lasting customer loyalty by offering compelling reasons to return, ensuring every journey is enjoyable for years to come.

Join Halfords as a Category Manager for Servicing & MOT and take ownership of one of our most critical categories. You’ll be responsible for driving sales, maximising gross margin, and delivering a market‑leading offer that keeps customers coming back. From pricing strategy and promotional campaigns to range reviews and brand selection, you’ll use every lever to grow performance and strengthen our competitive edge.

This is your chance to combine commercial acumen with customer insight. You’ll analyse market trends, identify growth opportunities, and negotiate supplier agreements to ensure we deliver quality, value, and innovation. If you’re ready to make a measurable impact and help shape the future of motoring services, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities
  • Put the customer at the heart of every decision, working closely with marketing, customer and digital teams to deliver the best experience.
  • Gain a deep understanding of each sub‑product group, including market size, trends, competition, and growth opportunities.
  • Contribute to building a category plan that captures market insights and identifies opportunities to increase sales, profit, and market share.
  • Act on customer feedback to keep our offer competitive and compelling.
  • Define brand selection strategy and manage range reviews to ensure products and services perform to expectations.
  • Design and implement impactful promotional campaigns in collaboration with marketing and channel teams.
  • Develop pricing strategies that maximise gross margin and optimise price elasticity through regular benchmarking.
  • Identify and launch new products and services relevant to the category.
  • Negotiate supplier agreements, ensuring compliance with ESG, CSR, and ethical trading standards while securing the best cost prices.
  • Monitor supplier performance, manage rebates, and take proactive steps to maximise returns.
About You
  • Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving profitability.
  • Previous experience in Category Management or Buying.
  • Skilled negotiator with experience managing complex supplier relationships.
  • Customer‑focused and skilled at identifying and responding to customer needs.
  • Confident in engaging and influencing senior leadership teams.
  • Ability to lead, coach, and mentor a direct report effectively.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make fact‑based decisions.
  • Industry experience is not essential, but retail or automotive (or similar) is advantageous.
Reward & Benefits

A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus.

Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London employer: Halfords

Halfords is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Worcestershire where innovation and customer focus drive our success. As a Category Manager for Servicing & MOT, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team culture that values your contributions. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the motoring and cycling industry while enjoying a rewarding career with a leading retailer.
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Contact Detail:

Halfords Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 Halfords and understanding their mission. Think about how your skills in category management can drive sales and enhance customer experience. Show them you’re not just another candidate!

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate supplier agreements. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before the real deal.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Halfords team.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London

Commercial Acumen
Category Management
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Customer Insight
Analytical Skills
Data Interpretation
Pricing Strategy
Promotional Campaign Design
Market Trend Analysis
Product Launch
Coaching and Mentoring
Collaboration with Marketing Teams
Competitor Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in driving sales and managing supplier relationships, as these are key for us at Halfords. Use specific examples that showcase your commercial acumen and customer focus.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills align with our mission at Halfords. Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience in category management or buying.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We love data-driven decision-making! In your application, be sure to mention any experience you have with analysing market trends or interpreting data. This will show us that you can make informed decisions that drive profitability.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords

Know Your Numbers

As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to sales, gross margin, and market trends in the automotive sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.

Customer-Centric Mindset

Halfords puts customers at the heart of everything. Prepare examples of how you've gathered and acted on customer feedback in past positions. Show that you understand the importance of customer insights in shaping product offerings and promotional strategies.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiating supplier agreements is a big part of this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or improved supplier relationships. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to illustrate your skills.

Collaborative Spirit

This role involves working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with marketing, digital, or other departments in the past. Share examples that showcase your ability to lead projects and influence stakeholders effectively.

Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London
Halfords
Location: London
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  • Category Manager – Servicing & MOT in London

    London
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
  • H

    Halfords

    5000+
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