At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth through strategic planning, merchandising, and supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join Shell, a leader in energy transition and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive training programmes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or wholesale, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
What’s the role
As a Category Manager, you will take ownership of defined product areas, delivering category growth through best-in-class category management. This includes developing and executing range plans, merchandising, pricing, and promotions.
What you’ll be doing
- A key focus of this role will be building strong partnerships with major branded suppliers, negotiating trading plans and delivering joint business initiatives that unlock mutual growth.
- Own category performance, delivering against sales, margin and profit targets.
- Analyse performance data and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
- Develop and implement category plans across range, merchandising, pricing and promotions.
- Build and manage relationships with large, branded FMCG suppliers.
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage joint business planning activities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver category initiatives effectively.
- Adapt quickly to changes in market dynamics and customer behaviour.
What you bring
- We’re looking for a commercially astute individual with experience in a Retail / Wholesale environment, ideally with exposure to high-volume, impulse-led categories.
- Experience as a Category Manager / Buyer.
- Proven experience working with large, branded suppliers in a commercial setting.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Solid understanding of sales, margin and profitability drivers.
- Analytical capability with the ability to turn insights into action.
- A proactive, results-driven mindset with strong ownership.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- The ability to operate at pace and manage competing priorities.
What we offer
- You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet.
- You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another.
- You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.
- Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.
- Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
- Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
- Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
- Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
- Benefit from a range of flexible working options.
- Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase.
- Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents.
- Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world.
- Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams.
- Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.
We are committed to attracting a broader and more diverse pool of candidates. If this position doesn’t feel like the perfect fit for your qualifications right now, we’d still love to hear from you.
Shell is working to advance an inclusive, psychologically safe and accessible environment where people with disabilities can excel. If you require any accommodations or accessibility adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know when prompted in your application.
Category Manager in London employer: Oman Shell
At Shell, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Category Manager, you will not only drive category growth but also benefit from a culture that values integrity, respect, and personal development, alongside competitive salaries and flexible working options. Join us to be part of a diverse team committed to tackling the energy transition while advancing your career through extensive training and growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and market position, so you can show how you can contribute as a Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Shell.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management, especially with large branded suppliers, and showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how you can drive category growth!
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. Mention specific examples of your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed relationships in a retail environment.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves analysing performance data and market trends, make sure to include any relevant experience or projects that demonstrate your analytical capabilities. We love seeing how you turn insights into action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on your email for the online assessment link after you submit your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oman Shell
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key performance metrics related to sales, margin, and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify growth opportunities in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiating with suppliers is a big part of this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you built relationships and achieved mutual growth, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Market Trends
Stay updated on current market trends and consumer behaviour, especially in the FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact category management and what strategies you would implement to adapt.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments to deliver initiatives. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
