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- Tasks: Drive strategy and optimise product categories for a leading timber merchant.
- Company: Join a long-established, family-owned business in the UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry with strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or sales, excellent communication, and analytical skills.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
MCS Group is delighted to be working with a long established, family owned business and one of the largest timber and builder's merchants in the UK & Ireland, as they seek to appoint a Group Category Manager to drive strategy, supplier performance and product optimisation across their network.
As Group Category Manager, you will take ownership of strategic product categories, managing a portfolio of suppliers and ensuring branches are equipped with the right products, pricing and support to serve customers and maximise profitability.
You will:
- Develop, negotiate and manage supplier agreements to secure competitive pricing and market-leading products.
- Build and deliver group category strategies in partnership with the Purchasing Director and wider commercial team.
- Define and maintain a consistent core product range across all branches.
- Maintain stock levels in line with company policy and market trends.
- Support the Price Book team to ensure all product and pricing data is accurate and up to date.
- Work closely with Purchase Ledger to resolve supplier queries efficiently.
You will bring strong commercial focus and a proactive approach, along with:
- Experience in a purchasing or sales role (ideally within building materials or related sectors).
- Excellent communication and supplier relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical capability and a methodical, detail-driven approach.
- High competency in MS Office.
Full details will be discussed upon application. To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Alan Montgomery, Specialist Consultant at MCS Group 02896935492.
Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs.
MCS Group are passionate about providing a first-class service to all our customers and have an independent review rating of 4.9 stars on Google.
Category Manager in Newry employer: MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Newry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Show them you mean business by having insights ready about their product categories and market trends. This will definitely impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to negotiate supplier agreements. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Newry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in purchasing or sales, especially within building materials. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've used these skills in past roles. We love seeing how you approach problem-solving!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to supplier performance and product optimisation. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiating supplier agreements is a big part of the job. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight your approach and the outcomes, as this will show your potential employer that you can secure competitive pricing.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the building materials sector. Being able to discuss how these trends impact product selection and pricing strategies will impress your interviewers and show that you're proactive about staying informed.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial for this role. Practice engaging with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their company culture and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
