At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product strategies and innovate in plumbing and drainage solutions.
- Company: Join Polypipe Building Products, a leader in sustainable building solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a company car, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive, innovative environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strategic thinker with experience in product innovation and marketing.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on fresh ideas and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Polypipe Building Products, our people and values sit at the centre of everything we do. We design and manufacture plumbing, drainage, ventilation and water management solutions used in homes and buildings across the UK. 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 a Category Manager to drive the Belowground & Utilities product categories. You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that grow market share, increase profitability and differentiate Polypipe through compelling, customer-led innovation. You’ll take full ownership of category performance, influence sales and marketing strategies, and work cross-functionally to bring new products to market. You’ll also oversee the Sustainable Heating category, managing and developing the Product Manager within this area.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the Belowground & Utilities category strategy, driving revenue and profitability by product placement in both B2B and B2C markets.
- Develop and deliver category plans aligned to overall business strategy.
- Lead product innovation and manage the full product lifecycle from concept to withdrawal.
- Analyse market data, customer insight, regulation and competitor activity to inform decision-making.
- Champion the Voice of the Customer to create differentiated, market-leading value propositions.
- Drive revenue and profitability through effective product positioning across B2B and B2C markets.
- Act as the key link between Sales, Marketing, Channel Marketing, Operations and Technical teams.
- Support sales growth through training materials, technical documentation and product content.
- Work with Marketing to deliver clear go-to-market strategies and consistent messaging across channels.
- Ensure effective merchandising and promotion within the distribution network.
- Own sales performance reporting, demand forecasting and inventory management for the category.
Skills & Requirements
- Strategic thinker with senior-level experience and P&L ownership.
- Proven track record of delivering market-leading product innovation.
- Strong background in B2B and/or B2C marketing.
- Experience or knowledge of the built environment is preferred but not essential for this role.
- Highly analytical with a data-driven mindset.
Working hours & Benefits
- Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours.
- 25 Days of Annual leave.
- Company Car - there will be travel involved in this role.
- Contributory pension scheme - matched up to 8%.
- Life assurance.
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay.
- Save as you earn Sharesave Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free flu vouchers.
- Various health & wellbeing initiatives including occupational health, physiotherapy and counselling services.
- Staff discount on all Genuit Group products.
Category Manager employer: Polypipe Building Products
Contact Detail:
Polypipe Building Products Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can drive their category strategies forward. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Category Manager. Highlight your strategic thinking and data-driven mindset to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Polypipe.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in driving category strategies and product innovation, as these are key for us at Polypipe. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in B2B and B2C markets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for the built environment and how your strategic thinking aligns with our values. Don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since we value a data-driven mindset, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Discuss how you've used market data and customer insights to inform decision-making and drive profitability in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polypipe Building Products
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Belowground & Utilities product categories. Understand the current market trends, customer needs, and how Polypipe differentiates itself from competitors. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can drive category strategies.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. Bring examples of how your analytical mindset has led to successful product innovations or marketing strategies. This will demonstrate your fit for a role that requires a strong focus on market analysis.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Polypipe values teamwork, so highlight your experience working cross-functionally. Share specific instances where you collaborated with sales, marketing, or technical teams to achieve a common goal. This will show that you can thrive in their inclusive culture.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, have thoughtful questions ready that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to product innovation or how they gather customer insights. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.