Category Manager - Blackburn

Category Manager - Blackburn

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

  • Tasks: Source and manage product ranges while negotiating with suppliers and analysing market trends.
  • Company: Join Lawrence & Hanson, Australia's leading electrical wholesaler since 1886, part of the global Sonepar family.
  • Benefits: Enjoy ongoing learning, paid volunteer leave, exclusive discounts, and a commitment to diversity and sustainability.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values your input and supports your career growth in a meaningful industry.
  • Qualifications: Data-driven with analytical skills; experience in supplier negotiation and effective communication is essential.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and sustainability while making a positive impact on future generations.

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

Strategically source stock and product ranges (cable and data) through developing effective supplier arrangements.

About us

Lawrence & Hanson is Australia’s most recognised electrical wholesaler. Our heritage is strong. Since 1886, we have been supplying electrical products to customers across multiple market sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial. We have a national network of over 150 branches providing quality products, backed by expert advice, technical & logistical support, and e-commerce solutions. We are part of Sonepar, a family-owned business and the global leader in electrical wholesaling.

About the role and what you would do

  • Strategically source product ranges and pricing.
  • Negotiate trading terms and supplier agreements.
  • Work with the branch network to manage stock holdings to ensure product availability while minimising provisioning.
  • Communicate product ranges to internal stakeholders to maximise sales, margin, and return on investment.
  • Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships.
  • Report on category performance and analyze market trends.
  • Support projects across the business.

How can I tell if this is for me?

  • You are data-driven and have refined analytical skills.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Suite, including Excel.
  • You have proven experience in building relationships and negotiating with suppliers.
  • You are an effective communicator with experience in presenting to different levels within an organization.
  • Product and industry knowledge in electrical, cable, and data is highly regarded but not essential.
  • Prior experience in a commercial role, category management, or as a buyer.

What’s in it for you?

  • Ongoing Learning & Development to fast-track your career – Beyond a comprehensive onboarding program, you’ll have access to LinkedIn Learning, accredited training qualifications, and professional development support.
  • Diversity & Inclusion – We embrace diversity and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
  • Paid leave to volunteer in your community – Give back to your community with one paid day per year to volunteer with a registered charity organization of your choice.
  • Your Values, Our Heritage – We opened our doors in 1886 but have moved at the speed of light to keep up with the changing needs of our customers and employees.
  • Sustainability for future generations – We’re committed to making a positive impact on the planet. Our purpose, “Powering Progress for Future Generations,” reflects our commitment to leaving the world a better place for future generations.
  • Save money with our discount programs – Whether it’s solar panels or a light switch, we offer employees an exclusive discount on product purchases. We’ve partnered with national retailers to provide our employees with commercial discounts as well as access to the Beny App for exclusive discounts on petrol, movie tickets, retail savings, and more.

How to apply?

If your experience reflects the criteria outlined above, apply now. We know it might seem daunting, but give the video cover letter a try and tell us why you’re interested in our Category Manager role. Lawrence & Hanson is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace environment; we encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, genders, and communities, including our First Nations People.

Category Manager - Blackburn employer: & Hanson Group Pty

At Lawrence & Hanson, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the electrical wholesaling industry, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters ongoing learning and development. Our Blackburn location provides unique opportunities for career advancement, supported by our commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as community engagement through paid volunteer leave. With a strong heritage since 1886 and a focus on sustainability, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying exclusive discounts and professional growth.
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Contact Detail:

& Hanson Group Pty Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Blackburn

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the electrical wholesaling industry, particularly in cable and data products. Understanding market trends and key players will help you speak confidently about your insights during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the electrical sector, especially those involved in category management or procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide valuable insights or referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and experiences in building supplier relationships. Think of specific examples where you successfully negotiated terms or improved supplier arrangements, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience with Microsoft Excel, as this is crucial for reporting and analysing category performance.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Blackburn

Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Negotiation
Stock Management
Data Analysis
Market Trend Analysis
Relationship Building
Effective Communication
Presentation Skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel
Category Management
Commercial Acumen
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Support
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Category Manager at Lawrence & Hanson. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and stock management in your application.

Craft a Compelling Video Cover Letter: Since they encourage a video cover letter, use this opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for the role. Clearly explain why you're interested in the position and how your skills align with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your data-driven approach, analytical skills, and any relevant experience in category management or commercial roles. Mention specific examples of successful supplier relationships you've built.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key for this role. Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully presented to different levels within an organisation and how you've communicated product ranges to stakeholders.

How to prepare for a job interview at & Hanson Group Pty

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your data-driven mindset. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used analytical skills to make informed decisions in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Since negotiating trading terms and supplier agreements is a key part of the role, think of past experiences where you successfully negotiated. Be ready to share these stories and the strategies you employed.

✨Understand the Product Range

While product knowledge in electrical, cable, and data is not essential, having a basic understanding will set you apart. Research common products in these categories and be ready to discuss how you would approach sourcing them.

✨Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would communicate product ranges to internal stakeholders.

Category Manager - Blackburn
& Hanson Group Pty
&
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