Range Manager

I am pleased to be working with a leading UK wholesale and FMCG business as they look to appoint an experienced Range Manager to take ownership of their end-to-end range review programme.

This is a key commercial role, working closely with Buying and Category teams while coordinating activity across Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial and Depot functions. You will act as the central point of coordination, ensuring range strategies are effectively translated into implementation and that changes deliver clear commercial, customer and operational benefits.

The Role

You will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of annual and periodic range reviews across designated categories.

Working collaboratively across the business, you will ensure range changes - from new product introductions through to delisting's and range transitions - are carefully planned, communicated and delivered against agreed timescales.

The role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on range optimisation, category performance and the customer proposition within a large-scale wholesale environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead annual and periodic range review programmes across assigned categories.
• Partner with Buying and Category teams to develop range strategies aligned with customer requirements and commercial objectives.
• Establish project plans, timelines, milestones and governance for range reviews.
• Use customer, category, sales and operational data to support effective range recommendations.
• Lead and manage the Range Team, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives.
• Coordinate activity across Buying, Supply Chain, Operations, Depots and File Maintenance.
• Develop detailed implementation plans for new products, delistings and range transitions.
• Identify and proactively manage risks and dependencies associated with range changes.
• Support depot readiness, stock run-down activity and new product onboarding.
• Ensure range plans, planograms, category guidance and relevant systems and processes are implemented accurately.
• Review the effectiveness of range changes following implementation and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide actionable recommendations to enhance future range review processes and category performance.
• Build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops and review meetings to ensure effective decision-making and alignment.
• Manage multiple priorities and workstreams while maintaining delivery against agreed deadlines.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced commercial professional with a background in range management, assortment planning, category management or a related discipline.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing range reviews, assortment planning or range optimisation within a retailer, wholesaler or FMCG supplier.
• A strong understanding of category management and range optimisation principles.
• A commercially minded and customer-focused approach.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving Buying, Supply Chain, Operations and Commercial teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into meaningful commercial recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• The confidence to work across multiple commercial, operational and IT systems.

Experience within any of the following would be particularly advantageous:

• Wholesale
• Grocery
• FMCG
• Retail
• Multi-site or depot operations
• Category and range planning systems

What's on Offer

• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• On-site parking

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Range, Category, Merchandising or Commercial professional to join a well-established wholesale and FMCG organisation and play a key role in shaping and delivering its future product range.