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- Tasks: Lead category strategies and manage supplier relationships in the building materials sector.
- Company: Join HSS ProService, a forward-thinking company transforming the equipment marketplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, healthcare cashback, and your birthday off as annual leave!
- Why this job: Be part of an industry disruptor and make a real impact on construction projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in building materials and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for training and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
At HSS ProService, we’ve built a smarter way for businesses to get the tools, equipment, and materials they need. Our online marketplace connects customers with trusted suppliers quickly and easily, helping them get the job done. We use technology, teamwork and bold thinking to make hiring and buying better for everyone faster, simpler, and more sustainable.
We’re looking for a Category Manager to join our Equipment Sales category. This is a strategic commercial role where you’ll combine supplier management, category expertise, and stakeholder engagement to drive growth, improve margins, and enhance the customer offering across our marketplace.
Impact you’ll have:You’ll lead the development and execution of category strategies that strengthen our position in the building materials space. By understanding customer needs, market trends, and supplier capabilities, you’ll shape how we source, price, and promote products that power construction and infrastructure projects across the UK.
A typical day:- Supplier Management & Commercial Excellence
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to expand and strengthen our building materials range
- Negotiate commercial agreements and pricing structures to optimise competitiveness and profitability
- Develop strong relationships with existing suppliers, driving continual improvement and collaboration
- Category Growth & Strategy
- Develop and execute category strategies to deliver profitable growth and market share gains
- Analyse market trends, customer behaviours, and competitor activity to identify opportunities
- Build and maintain deep product knowledge across key materials and construction products
- Internal Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with Sales teams to share product knowledge, value propositions, and market insights
- Support internal teams with commercial guidance and supplier updates
- Collaborate with Marketing to design and deliver category campaigns and promotional activity
- Proven experience in building materials, construction products, or a related trade supply environment
- Strong commercial acumen and a track record in supplier negotiation and relationship management
- Excellent understanding of product ranges, pricing models, and supply chain dynamics
- Confident communicator and influencer with strong stakeholder management skills
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive strategic decisions
- Self‑motivated, results‑driven, and comfortable managing multiple priorities independently
- Full UK driving licence
- Experience in a category management, procurement, or buying role
- Knowledge of market dynamics within the construction or industrial supply sectors
- Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills for reporting and analysis
Join a forward-thinking team that’s committed to transforming how businesses operate, using the latest technology and a bold vision. If you’re passionate about being part of an industry disruptor, this is the place to build your career.
- Your birthday each year as annual leave to spend how you want to!
- Healthcare Cashback Plan with money off on things like dentist, opticians including sports massage and wellbeing costs too
- Flexible and hybrid working - we appreciate you do your best work in different environments
- Head office free onsite gym
- Life assurance
- One day per year, you’ll have the option to contribute to local voluntary work, an opportunity to give back to your community
- Training and development opportunities to keep growing your skills
- Wellbeing and Healthcare support at work and at home
- A chance to be a part of a bold digital transformation
- Discounts and cashback on our perks site with a huge range of purchases including days out, restaurants, gym memberships, shopping and lots more.
- You will get the choice of other flexible benefits that work for you through our Benefits portal – you pick the benefits you want such as Critical Illness Cover, Cycle To Work, Holiday Buy Scheme and more
Different Perspectives, One Platform. We’re not all the same and that’s what makes us stronger. We believe great ideas come from different people, different experiences, and different ways of thinking.
Next Steps:Whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or looking for your next big move - if you’ve got the skills and the drive, we want to hear from you. Not sure you tick every box? That’s okay. We welcome your application even if you don’t meet every single requirement. If you have any questions, email us at ProCareers@hss.com and one of our team will be happy to help.
Category Manager - Pumping in Manchester employer: HSS Hire Ireland
Contact Detail:
HSS Hire Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Pumping in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research HSS ProService, their values, and their marketplace. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to category management and supplier negotiation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨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 keen on joining our innovative team at HSS ProService.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Pumping in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in supplier management and category expertise, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in building materials or related fields.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for the construction industry and how your skills align with our mission at HSS ProService. Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires an analytical mindset, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles. We love seeing how you interpret market trends and customer behaviours to identify opportunities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our forward-thinking team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HSS Hire Ireland
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the building materials and construction products landscape. Familiarise yourself with current market trends, key suppliers, and competitor strategies. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their category growth.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of past supplier negotiations where you achieved significant results. Highlight your approach to building relationships and driving improvements. This will demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to manage supplier dynamics effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve successfully collaborated with internal teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would partner with sales and marketing teams at HSS ProService to enhance product offerings and drive category campaigns. This shows you understand the importance of stakeholder engagement.
✨Be Data-Driven
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you interpret data to make strategic decisions. Bring examples of how you've used data to identify opportunities or improve margins in your previous roles. This will highlight your analytical mindset and readiness for the role.
