At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and performance of belowground and utilities product categories.
- Company: Join Polypipe Building Products, part of the innovative Genuit Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, pension scheme, and health initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a sustainable environment while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Polypipe Building Products are focused on delivering solutions to the residential sector. We work with national and local developers, plumbing and heating engineers, general builders and groundworkers to deliver above and below ground drainage systems, rainwater solutions as well as hot and cold plastic plumbing products. Part of the Genuit Group, we combine long-term stability with a culture built on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. We encourage fresh ideas, invest in development and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels like they belong.
We're looking for an experienced and commercially focused Category Manager – Belowground & Utilities to take ownership of one of our most important product portfolios. This is a highly visible strategic role, responsible for driving the end-to-end performance of the category across all markets and sales channels. You will own the category throughout its entire lifecycle, from defining strategy and identifying market opportunities, through innovation and product development, to commercial delivery, lifecycle management and end-of-life planning.
Working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain and Technical teams, you will ensure the portfolio delivers sustainable revenue growth, improved profitability and clear competitive differentiation. If you enjoy combining strategic thinking with commercial delivery and influencing across a complex organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Defining and delivering category strategy by developing long-term roadmaps, identifying market opportunities and creating go-to-market plans aligned with business objectives.
- Using market insight to drive growth, analysing customer needs, market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities to shape portfolio decisions and future investment.
- Managing the product lifecycle from concept through to end-of-life, optimising the portfolio, supporting forecasting and working cross-functionally to maximise profitability and operational performance.
- Driving commercial success by owning revenue, margin and pricing strategies, monitoring performance and partnering with Sales and Marketing to deliver growth.
- Leading innovation and new product development, building business cases, managing the stage-gate process and ensuring successful product launches.
- Developing compelling value propositions and working with Marketing to deliver effective campaigns that strengthen the category's market position.
- Acting as the category expert, ensuring products remain technically compliant, meet regulatory requirements and support customers with accurate, market-leading product information.
- Building strong relationships across the business, influencing stakeholders, aligning priorities and leading cross-functional collaboration to deliver category objectives.
About you:
You’ll be a commercially astute Category Manager or Product Manager with experience of managing technical product portfolios in a manufacturing, construction, building products or industrial environment. You’ll bring:
- Experience developing and delivering successful category or product strategies.
- Strong commercial acumen, including pricing, margin and revenue growth.
- Knowledge of product lifecycle management and new product development.
- The ability to turn market insight into commercial action.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience working collaboratively across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and Technical teams.
- A strategic mindset with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach.
- Strong communication, analytical and presentation skills.
Desirable:
- Experience within belowground drainage, utilities, construction products or infrastructure markets.
- Knowledge of relevant product standards and regulatory requirements.
- Experience working across international markets.
- Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in Business, Marketing, Engineering or a related discipline.
Working Hours & Benefits:
- Monday to Friday, 9am - 5:00pm
- Company car or allowance
- Competitive bonus
- Contributory pension scheme - matched up to 8%
- Life assurance
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay
- Save as you earn Sharesave Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Various health & wellbeing initiatives including complimentary occupational health on-site physiotherapy and counselling services
- Staff discount on all Genuit Group products
- Free on-site parking
Here at the Genuit Group we recognise and develop the contribution our people make to the Group’s success and are committed to attracting talent from the widest pool. Our people are central to us which is why we’re passionate about building a culture of trust and innovation. We operate a decentralised business model where each Genuit Business attracts, nurtures, and retains local talent, becoming experts in their field. It is our people who will ensure that our success is sustainable, supporting each other and being flexible and responsive to the demands of our customers and the marketplace.
If you are ready to explore our vacancies further, get scrolling! The 'Search for Jobs' page shows you all our current roles, each providing an opportunity to develop your career in an organisation that, through innovative products and technology and a clear customer focus, has set its sights on being at the forefront of the Construction Industry.
Belowground & Utilities Category Manager employer: Polypipe Building Products
Polypipe Building Products is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the construction sector. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, a company car, and a range of health initiatives, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Working in this role not only allows you to make a significant impact in the industry but also provides the chance to build lasting relationships with key stakeholders in your region.
Contact Details:
Polypipe Building Products Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Belowground & Utilities Category Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Polypipe Building Products, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Belowground & Utilities Category Manager at Polypipe Building Products.
We think you need these skills to ace Belowground & Utilities Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polypipe Building Products
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
