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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product ranges, develop strategies, and collaborate with teams to meet customer needs.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, private healthcare, discounts, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape product offerings and drive success in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Role Overview
This role is responsible for the product introduction, maintenance, and development of the specific product ranges to meet the needs of our target customers. This includes managing the products through the product life cycle, researching and identifying products and customer requirements. Defining the product vision, and working in partnership with our supply chain team and external suppliers. Different to many corporate structures, 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 reporting directly to the department manager ensures lengthy sign off processes are avoided and speed of delivery is fundamental for this role.
Accountabilities
- 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
- Define the product strategy and roadmap for relevant product areas
- Present business cases for product range developments
- Introduce new product ranges within the given timescales
- Develop the core positioning and messaging for products and categories
- Source new product ranges
- Negotiate terms and cost pricing with suppliers
- Merchandise products through the catalogue and web site to achieve maximum product performance
- Conduct product range reviews to increase profitability and efficiency of the product range
- 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
- Apply clear and competitive pricing principles to each range ensuring a clear hierarchy that achieves profitability targets
- Develop sales tools for the Contact Centre
- Work with the marketing department to develop product launch and product marketing plans
- Develop product management workflow and processes
About You - Essential
- Commercial & Category proven experience within the same or equivalent role
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Strong negotiations skills and experience managing supplier relationships
- Strong awareness of competitors, pricing strategies and market trends
- Ability to oversee and manage the workload of direct reports
- Strong ability to analyse data, draw conclusions and set strategic actions
About You - Desirable
- Industry & Technical Product knowledge
- E-commerce & Digital Experience of trading product in an omnichannel environment
- Project & Change management experience & ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Benefits
- 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
- Regular WOW awards for those that go above and beyond
- Staff suggestion scheme with associated rewards
- 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
- Two paid volunteer days per year
- 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.
Category Manager in Colchester employer: Ironmongery Direct
Contact Detail:
Ironmongery Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to negotiate with suppliers and internal teams. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and ready to contribute to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in product management and how it aligns with our needs. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but let your personality shine through – we love a bit of character!
Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership: We’re looking for someone who can manage and develop junior team members. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. This will show us you’re a great fit for our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ironmongery Direct
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly research the product ranges relevant to the role. Understand their life cycles, customer needs, and how they fit into the market. This will help you articulate your vision for product development and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Since this role involves managing junior team members, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've conducted appraisals, provided feedback, and developed team members' skills. This will show that you're not just a great individual contributor but also a strong leader.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams like digital, marketing, and supply chain. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced cross-functional teams or negotiated with suppliers. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and drive results.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to inform product strategies in the past. Familiarise yourself with tools like Google Analytics and be prepared to talk about how you've implemented changes based on performance statistics. This will show that you can make informed decisions that align with business goals.