Category Manager - Building Materials in Manchester

A typical day as a Category Manager

No two days look exactly the same here, and that’s part of what makes it work.

As a Category Manager, you’ll play a key part in keeping things moving for our customers, suppliers and The Pros around you. You’ll take ownership, solve problems properly, and work with people across the business to make things simpler, faster and better.

You’ll be trusted to get stuck in, make decisions, and see things through.

What you’ll be doing

As Category Manager for Building Materials, you'll take ownership of one of our key product categories, driving profitable growth through effective supplier management, commercial negotiation, and category strategy.

You’ll develop strong supplier partnerships, identify new opportunities, support our sales teams with technical expertise, and ensure our Building Materials offering remains competitive, profitable, and aligned to customer demand.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the commercial strategy for the Building Materials category, driving sustainable growth and profitability
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to strengthen and diversify our marketplace offering
• Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, and supplier terms to maximise margin and competitiveness
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, driving continuous improvement in service, quality, and commercial performance
• Monitor supplier KPIs and conduct regular performance reviews, implementing improvement plans where required
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and customer demand to identify new commercial opportunities
• Maintain an expert understanding of Building Materials products, specifications, and applications
• Monitor category performance and implement initiatives to improve revenue, profitability, and market share
• Provide technical and commercial support to Sales teams, helping maximise customer opportunities
• Deliver product training and category updates to internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop campaigns that promote the category internally and externally
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Logistics, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless category management

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who knows how to get things done and works well with others to make it happen.

You don’t need to tick every single box, but you’ll likely bring:

• Proven experience within the building services industry with strong product knowledge
• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreements
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify growth opportunities and improve profitability
• Excellent analytical skills with confidence interpreting data and making commercially sound decisions
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• A proactive, self‑motivated approach with excellent organisational skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced commercial environment
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required

It would be great if you also have:

• Previous experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Product Management
• Knowledge of the construction, hire, industrial, or material handling sectors
• Experience using ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel
• Experience working within a marketplace or multi‑supplier environment

Most importantly, you’ll bring the mindset of a Pro:

• You take ownership
• You communicate clearly
• You work collaboratively
• You look for better ways to do things
• You see things through properly

What you’ll get back

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Your birthday off every year to spend how you want
• Healthcare Cashback Plan with money back on things like dentists, opticians and sports massages
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Free onsite gym at head office
• Training and development opportunities to keep growing your skills and career
• Discounts and cashback through our perks platform
• Flexible benefits including Cycle to Work and Holiday Buy

What it’s like here

At HSS ProService, we’re here to take the friction out of hire. We’ve built a smarter, faster way for businesses to get the tools, equipment and materials they need. We connect customers with trusted suppliers through one simple online marketplace.

But what really makes it work is our people. The Pros.

The ones who step in, solve problems, keep things moving and make life easier for customers and each other.

We use technology, teamwork and bold thinking to make things simpler, clearer and better every day.

The Pros here are Progress Makers, Professionals, Problem Solvers and Proud of the work they do. People who take ownership, back each other, speak honestly and keep things moving.

That means:

• Say it. Own it. See it through.
• Bring in the people power.
• Be straight, be clear.
• Recognise the graft.

So we value straightforward communication and teamwork above complex processes.

Different Perspectives, One Platform

We’re not all the same, and that’s what makes us stronger. Great ideas come from different people, different experiences and different ways of thinking.

Whether you’re starting out, changing careers or looking for your next move, if you’ve got the skills and the drive, we want to hear from you.

Not sure you tick every box? Apply anyway.