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 experience in commercial strategy.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Category Manager - (Civils & Drainage)
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 Power Point 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.
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Category Manager - Civils & Drainage employer: Huws Gray
Huws Gray is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and growth within a supportive team environment. As a Partnering Stores Assistant, you will benefit from comprehensive training and the opportunity to advance your career in a dynamic setting, all while delivering outstanding customer service in a thriving location. Join us to be part of a company that values its employees and fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Civils & Drainage
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Huws Gray.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Civils & Drainage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Huws Gray:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Huws Gray. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Huws Gray.
How to prepare for a job interview at Huws Gray
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Huws Gray!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Huws Gray. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Huws Gray's culture.
