At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial excellence in Civils & Drainage, securing competitive supplier agreements and maximising value.
- Company: Join Huws Gray, a leader in builders' merchant and distribution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the growth of our Civils & Drainage category across the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong civils product knowledge and proven commercial insight required.
In this role you will take ownership of driving commercial excellence in our Civils & Drainage category - delivering competitive cost prices, securing market‑leading supplier agreements, and maximising value across our supply base. A key focus will be to drive down cost of goods, improve rebate structures, and negotiate favourable commercial terms that strengthen margin performance and support sustainable long‑term growth. You will lead the development and growth of our Civils & Drainage category across the UK, ensuring our branches have a competitive product range, strong supplier support, and the capability to serve customers brilliantly.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a national Civils & Drainage category strategy that delivers profitable sales growth and strengthens our market position.
- Drive cost efficiencies, improve commercial agreements, and secure competitive terms, rebates, and strategic buying advantages.
- Partner with Regional Performance Directors and Branch Teams to support category adoption, drive commercial success, and enhance customer experience.
- Train, coach, and develop colleagues across the UK to build civils product knowledge, commercial capability, and supplier relationship skills.
- Build and manage strong partnerships with key civils product manufacturers and suppliers, negotiating competitive terms and ensuring long‑term strategic alignment.
- Work with Marketing to plan and deliver national promotional campaigns, increasing category awareness and driving demand.
- Identify new product opportunities, strengthen existing ranges, and evaluate category gaps to support market‑leading competitiveness.
- Manage and mitigate supply challenges through strong supplier relationships, forward planning, and strategic sourcing.
- Work closely with regional category colleagues (where applicable) to secure national supply agreements and leverage group buying power.
- Understand market dynamics, pricing trends, and competitor positioning to influence decision‑making and category direction.
- Support and engage internal teams including Pricing, Stock, and Finance to ensure pricing accuracy, stock availability, and commercial performance.
- Act as the national civils category expert, providing insight, guidance, and support to branches and commercial leadership.
- Review category dashboards, reporting tools, and performance tracking, ensuring insights are translated into clear commercial actions.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong civils & drainage product knowledge and experience in builders’ merchant or distribution environments.
- Proven commercial insight with the ability to drive growth through category strategy.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, comfortable influencing senior leaders and motivating branch teams.
- Strategic mindset with hands‑on approach - able to balance planning with field execution.
- Confident negotiator with strong supplier management capability.
- IT‑proficient - strong Excel skills (data analysis, reporting, modelling) and solid PowerPoint capability to build compelling business cases, category decks, and supplier proposals.
- Ability to interpret and present data clearly to drive commercial decisions.
- Proactive, organised and self‑driven with strong commercial numeracy and attention to detail.
- Adaptable, collaborative and comfortable operating at pace in a growing business.
Behaviours & Expectations
- Conduct yourself professionally at all times and represent Huws Gray in a positive and respectful manner.
- Demonstrate integrity, commercial discipline, and a strong customer‑focused approach.
- Build trust and credibility with colleagues, suppliers, and customers through consistent behaviour and strong communication.
- Operate with resilience, a growth mindset, and a commitment to collaborative success.
Location & Travel
This is a national role which will involve travel and occasional nights away. You will spend time in branches, with suppliers, and at our offices in Anglesey or Cambridge, as required.
Category Manager - Civils & Drainage employer: Huws Gray Group.
At Huws Gray, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Manager in Civils & Drainage, you will benefit from extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your professional growth while working alongside industry experts. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive remuneration packages and the chance to make a meaningful impact across the UK, all within a supportive environment that values integrity and customer focus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Civils & Drainage
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Huws Gray Group. and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Huws Gray Group.!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Civils & Drainage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Huws Gray Group.:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Huws Gray Group.. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Huws Gray Group.
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Huws Gray Group..
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Huws Gray Group. that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Huws Gray Group.. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
