At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the outdoor living category, shaping product ranges and strategies.
- Company: Established, family-owned consumer products business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days leave, pension, healthcare cashback, and product discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and quick decision-making in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Take ownership of exciting projects and influence product development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in garden furniture and working with suppliers, plus a passion for product development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Category Manager / Senior Category Manager - Outdoor Living Devon - office based 3 days a week minimum £50,000-£70,000 depending on experience Do you know what makes a garden furniture range commercially successful?
Have you developed products with Far East suppliers, spotted emerging trends and built ranges that major retailers want to buy?
This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of an outdoor living category within an established, family-owned consumer products business.
Whats in it for you?
This is not a role where you will simply inherit a finished range and maintain it.
You will have the freedom to shape the category, influence future product development and build a long-term growth strategy.
You will work closely with experienced Product Development, Design, Quality, Sales and Commercial teams, alongside established manufacturing partners in the Far East.
There will also be opportunities for international travel, typically visiting suppliers two or three times per year.
The business offers: A salary of £50,000-£70,000 depending on experience 33 days annual leave Company pension Enhanced maternity and paternity pay Healthcare cashback scheme Product discounts Free on-site parking International travel opportunities Whats the job?
You will take ownership of a growing outdoor living category, with a particular focus on garden furniture and complementary beach furniture ranges.
You will use your knowledge of the market to identify trends, gaps and new product opportunities, translating these into commercially viable ranges.
The role will include: Developing and delivering the category strategy Creating product briefs and range plans Working with Far East factories and sourcing partners Identifying new products, materials and manufacturing opportunities Managing pricing, margins and supplier negotiations Reviewing category performance, sales trends and market data Managing stock investment, forecasting and inventory health Supporting Sales teams during product presentations and customer meetings Helping major retailers understand the range, product features and commercial opportunity Attending trade shows, sourcing trips and supplier meetings You will have the opportunity to influence products from the initial concept through to launch, rather than simply selecting from an existing catalogue.
What do you need?
Direct garden furniture experience would be particularly valuable.
You will need to understand how to build a commercially successful range, including materials, price points, product features, compliance, margins and customer requirements.
Experience developing own-brand products and working with Far East suppliers would also be highly relevant.
Most importantly, you will be entrepreneurial, product-focused and comfortable taking ownership.
This role would suit someone who enjoys working within a growing, accessible business where decisions can be made quickly and good ideas are encouraged.
Whats next?
For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Brian Mc Geachy at More People.
Category Manager - Outdoor Living in Normanton employer: MorePeople
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Outdoor Living in Normanton
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like MorePeople, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like MorePeople!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Outdoor Living in Normanton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at MorePeople, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at MorePeople and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show MorePeople that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
