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- Tasks: Manage product categories and develop junior team members while driving sales and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join the UK's leading direct supplier with a reputation for excellence and trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a rewards platform for discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial and category management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
What started as a traditional ironmongery shop has since grown into the UK's leading direct supplier, delivering thousands of parcels each week. With a vast range of over 18,000 high-quality products available for next-day delivery, we're the reliable choice for tradespeople who value efficiency, expert advice, and top-tier service. If you're looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company that's built on a foundation of trust and excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality & Leisure 2025 by Great Place to Work, a reflection of the positive feedback from our own people and our commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience.
This role includes the management and development of junior members of the team and working closely with our digital, customer service, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure revenue profitability and customer satisfaction targets are met. The role reports directly to the department manager, ensuring lengthy sign-off processes are avoided and speed of delivery is fundamental.
- Deliver the relevant budgeted sales and margin contribution for the relevant product areas.
- Ensure clear development plans are in place and day-to-day management of any direct reports including regular 1 to 1's and appraisals.
- Merchandise products through the catalogue and website to achieve maximum product performance.
- Monitor, analyse and report product range performance statistics making appropriate recommendations and actions to maximise performance.
- Utilise Google Analytics and work with the Digital team to implement actions to improve conversion rates.
- Develop sales tools for the Contact Centre.
- Develop product management workflow and processes.
Commercial & Category proven experience within the same or equivalent role.
Strong ability to analyse data, draw conclusions and set strategic actions.
E-commerce & Digital experience of trading product in an omnichannel environment.
Project & Change management experience & ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
25 days annual leave plus public bank holidays, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year.
Subsidised private healthcare for employees and their families.
Enhanced family leave benefits.
Fully funded wellbeing offering operated by Health Shield with the ability to claim back medical costs, access to an EAP service including counselling sessions, a GP Anytime service and more.
PERKS - a rewards platform offering hundreds of deals and discounts from the brands you know and love, helping your salary stretch a little further.
Discretionary annual company performance bonus.
Staff discount on our products.
Long service awards, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year including additional annual leave, life insurance and increased employer pension contributions.
£500 refer a friend incentive scheme.
Please note this job description does not claim to be exhaustive in the duties it defines, and it may to some extent change from time to time. This document will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process and any changes where appropriate will be made formally via the HR Department.
Locations
Online Category Manager (m/w/d) in Chelmsford, Essex employer: Ironmongery Direct
Contact Detail:
Ironmongery Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Online Category Manager (m/w/d) in Chelmsford, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show us that you understand our values and how you can contribute to our success. Tailor your answers to reflect your knowledge of our dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role of Online Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Online Category Manager (m/w/d) in Chelmsford, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Online Category Manager role. Highlight your commercial and category experience, and don’t forget to mention any e-commerce or digital trading experience you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're excited about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your ability to analyse data and manage projects.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Since this role involves managing junior team members, share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed others and contributed to a positive team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ironmongery Direct
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Online Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse data effectively. Brush up on key metrics related to product performance and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive sales and improve conversion rates.
✨Showcase Your E-commerce Savvy
Make sure you highlight your experience in e-commerce and omnichannel environments. Prepare examples of successful projects you've managed, focusing on how you collaborated with digital and marketing teams to enhance customer satisfaction and revenue.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
Since this role involves managing junior team members, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you've developed team members or handled performance appraisals, and how you ensure clear communication and support.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
The interviewers will want to see your strategic mindset. Prepare to discuss how you've set and achieved goals in previous roles, particularly in relation to budgeted sales and margin contributions. Be ready to suggest potential strategies for their product areas based on your research.