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- Tasks: Lead strategic development to boost sales and manage product categories effectively.
- Company: Join a dynamic social network focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive pay, and exciting corporate perks.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping product offerings and driving market success.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for market trends are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Responsibilities: Responsible for the strategic development and execution of plans to maximize sales and profitability within a specific product category by analysing market trends, managing supplier relationships, optimising stock holding, supporting sales efforts, and managing the range of products.
Summary of main purpose of the Job: The purpose of a Category Manager is to act as a strategic leader for a designated product category. This involves comprehensive market analysis to identify growth opportunities, understand consumer behaviour, and assess competitor activities. The category manager is responsible for curating the product assortment within their category, selecting items based on profitability, demand, and supplier capabilities, while also establishing competitive pricing strategies that attract customers and maintain healthy margins. They cultivate and manage relationships with suppliers, negotiate favourable terms, and ensure product quality and availability. Effective inventory management, including demand forecasting and stock control, is essential to minimise waste and optimise operational efficiency. The category manager supports the sales team with product knowledge, collaborates with marketing on promotional activities, and monitors category performance through KPIs. Their success is measured by growth in sales, profitability, and market share within their assigned category, achieved through strategic planning, effective execution, and collaboration across the organisation.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
- Strategic Category Management: Develop and execute category strategies based on market understanding, competitive analysis, and customer insights to drive growth.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Negotiate contracts, manage performance, and build strong supplier relationships for optimal product selection and pricing.
- Financial Acumen: Manage budgets, analyse financial data, and optimise procurement strategies.
- Product Portfolio Management: Curate and maintain product ranges, identify substitutions, and align with market trends.
- Market Intelligence & Analysis: Conduct research, analyse competitors, and identify trends to inform strategy.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Develop strategies, forecast demand, and collaborate with suppliers to optimise stock levels.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams.
- Team Leadership & Development: Guide and mentor team members, contribute to process improvements.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Negotiate contracts and monitor supplier performance.
- Manage product ranges, ensuring market alignment.
- Monitor rebate income for revenue opportunities.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers.
- Source substitute products and support contingency planning.
- Support rebate system implementation.
- Collaborate across functions and participate in team meetings.
- Participate in process improvements and ensure operational efficiency.
- Analyse performance data and prepare reports.
- Maintain market intelligence and develop inventory strategies.
- Collaborate on promotional planning and manage budgets.
- Ensure regulatory compliance.
- Support and oversee purchasing assistants.
General Conduct:
- Maintain updated records.
- Attend meetings and prepare accordingly.
- Prioritise health, safety, and welfare.
- Perform other duties as requested.
Category Manager employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest market trends and consumer behaviour in your specific product category. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of category management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier relationship management and negotiation strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your financial acumen by being prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets and analysed financial data. Highlight any successful procurement strategies you've implemented that led to increased profitability.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, supplier relationship management, and financial acumen. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive growth within a product category.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for category management and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience with market analysis, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used market intelligence and analysis to inform your strategies in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects where you optimised product ranges or improved supplier relationships.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and collaborating with different teams. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and execute strategies. Prepare examples of how you've previously analysed market trends and made strategic decisions that led to growth in sales or profitability.
✨Highlight Supplier Relationship Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier performance. Share specific instances where you built strong relationships with suppliers that resulted in better pricing or product quality.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is crucial for this role, come prepared to talk about your experience with budgeting and analysing financial data. You might want to bring examples of how you've optimised procurement strategies to improve margins.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with sales, marketing, or finance teams to achieve common goals. Highlight your communication skills and ability to lead cross-functional projects.
