At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive brand performance through market analysis, supplier management, and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a thriving wholesale and distribution business with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on brand growth and market expansion in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: Three years' experience in a dynamic environment and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a growing wholesale and distribution business who are going from strength to strength and as a result of promotion, now have a Category Manager position available. As the Category Manager you will be responsible for driving the performance and growth of assigned brands from a procurement and supply chain perspective. The role involves analysing market trends, managing supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring optimal product availability and inventory performance.
Reports To: Procurement & Supply Chain Manager
Hours: 9:00am - 5:30pm (40 hours per week)
Key Responsibilities
- Manage product assortments, pricing, promotions, and inventory levels to maximise brand performance.
- Oversee range reviews, SKU creation, exceptional purchasing requirements, stock rationalisation, and inventory clearance activities.
- Develop and implement brand strategies that support business objectives, revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion.
- Maintain effective brand management processes and tools, ensuring all daily, weekly, and monthly activities are completed accurately and on schedule.
- Monitor brand performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions where required.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Lead and support the Inventory Planner to ensure appropriate stock availability, inventory levels, purchasing routines, and supply chain challenges are effectively managed.
- Work collaboratively to maintain efficient replenishment processes and minimise stock-related risks.
- Analyse market trends, sales data, supplier insights, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and potential gaps within the market.
- Support the development of pricing structures and promotional plans that enhance competitiveness and profitability.
- Use data and commercial insights to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and brand partners.
- Negotiate favourable commercial terms and collaborate with suppliers to enhance product offerings and overall brand performance.
- Work closely with marketing teams to develop effective product positioning, messaging, and communication strategies.
- Review customer feedback and implement improvements to strengthen customer satisfaction, loyalty, and overall experience.
Criteria
- Three years' experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment (wholesale, distribution, retail, food-service).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed, data-driven decisions.
- Sound understanding of pricing strategies, margin management, and profitability optimisation.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, ERP systems, and reporting/analytics platforms.
To be considered for this position, apply with an updated CV and our supply chain specialist Michael Irwin will be in touch.
Category Manager - FMCG TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: IrishJobs
As a Waste Resource Team Leader with our esteemed local authority client, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing community sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, offering training opportunities and a clear path for career progression. With competitive remuneration, including pension and holiday pay, along with the chance to make a meaningful impact in your community, this role is an excellent opportunity for those seeking rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - FMCG TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨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 IrishJobs.
✨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 - FMCG TLNT1_NI in Belfast
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 IrishJobs:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to IrishJobs. 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 IrishJobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at IrishJobs
✨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 IrishJobs!
✨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 IrishJobs. 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 IrishJobs's culture.
