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- Tasks: Drive growth in product categories and build strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a growing company in Leicester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping category management strategies and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Inizio Engage are working on behalf of their client based in Leicester who are looking for a Category Manager to join their expanding team due to exciting growth. As Category Manager you will use your experience and relationships to introduce new ideas and best practice to help drive our client's category management strategy to the next level. You will be responsible for driving growth within existing product categories while identifying new product and supplier opportunities.
Reporting directly to the Head of Trading, you will manage a significant supplier portfolio and be responsible for driving turnover, working towards the departments KPIs. Interaction with suppliers, negotiating, developing positive relationships, having the ability to influence and think strategically, being an exceptional planner with strong analytical skills will be pivotal in being successful within this exciting role.
Job Summary- Manage and develop supplier categories in line with strategic objectives.
- Influence suppliers to embrace digital and process efficiencies that save time and reduce complexity.
- Ensure the category meets required KPI's and strategic objectives.
- Work with the Trading team to ensure categories meet and support strategic objectives.
- Meet and contact key suppliers on a periodic basis to maintain and develop relationships and grow turnover.
- Organise, coordinate and facilitate committee meetings.
- Attend Industry events.
- Collaborate with department heads and Directors to develop and achieve the company's strategic goals.
- Produce accurate and informative management reports and complete them with the timeframe set.
- Any other duties deemed appropriate in conjunction with this role.
- Capable of working under pressure to meet necessary deadlines and initiatives.
- Ability to interface and relate to people from differing backgrounds and status.
- Ability to discuss suggestions, ideas, and issues with managers and directors and recommend solutions.
- Competent to function independent of supervision and be a good decision-maker.
- Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe.
- Bring new ideas and initiatives to the business.
- Have openness to change and adapt to new ways of working.
- Customer focused.
- Excellent understanding of Category Management with a proven track record of driving growth and opportunities.
- Proven record of managing own workload and working within a team environment.
- Recognised Industry qualifications such as CIPS or qualified by experience.
- Construction expertise would be an advantage but not essential.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with an eye for spotting new opportunities.
- Existing strong relationships with key personnel within the industry.
- Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across teams and key industry partners.
- Ability to solve complex problems.
- Proven commercial and digital trading experience.
- Proficient with MS Office Suite, including competency in Excel creating pivot tables.
- Experience with PHOCAS, Power BI, or similar tools preferred but not essential.
- Good presentation skills to deliver updates to large audiences at forums and seminars.
- Experience working within the building material sector preferred but not essential.
- Knowledge of the building materials industry and relevant organisations is preferred but not essential.
- A winning attitude with a drive to do well.
- Skilled in influencing stakeholders and gaining buy-in to achieve objectives.
- Excellent and confident telephone manner.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work proactively on own initiative as well as with other team members.
- Strong analytical and numerical approach and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication (written, verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to network and communicate with people from all levels and backgrounds.
- Target driven approach to ensure deadlines are met.
- Approachable and polite, with a commitment to developing self and others.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
Category Manager employer: Inizio
Contact Detail:
Inizio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've driven growth and managed supplier relationships. We want to see your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in potential roles. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in category management. This will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management, supplier relationships, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can drive growth and meet KPIs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced suppliers or driven strategic initiatives in the past. Let us see your personality and passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are key for this position, make sure to mention any tools or methods you've used to analyse data and drive decisions. If you've worked with Excel, Power BI, or similar tools, give us the details – we love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply 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 team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inizio
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the product categories you'll be managing. Understand current trends, key suppliers, and potential growth areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully influenced suppliers or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive turnover, which is crucial for the Category Manager role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Familiarise yourself with tools like Excel and Power BI, as being able to present data clearly can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can align category management strategies with broader business objectives. Prepare to share your ideas on how to introduce new initiatives and efficiencies. This will show that you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but are also thinking long-term.
