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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and manage the entire lifecycle of automotive and leisure categories.
- Company: Join a family-run enterprise with over 50 years of market-leading experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit sharing, early finishes, generous leave, and enhanced healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer; degree in business or marketing preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 53000 £ per year.
Join a premier, family-run enterprise that has spent over 50 years establishing itself as the UK’s foremost specialist in the towing, trailer, and outdoor leisure markets. This is an ambitious, expanding organisation that prides itself on market-leading status and a commitment to quality. We are looking for a strategic Product Category Manager to take a lead role within a high-performing procurement function.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Purchasing Director, you will hold full commercial accountability for the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure portfolios. This is a comprehensive "cradle-to-grave" role where you will drive the strategy for your categories, from identifying global manufacturing partners to managing product launches and market positioning.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing: Identify and onboard new global suppliers while optimizing existing partnerships to ensure a robust supply chain.
- Commercial Negotiation: Lead high-level negotiations to secure optimal pricing, lead times, and contractual terms.
- Product Innovation: Drive the development of new ranges by identifying market gaps and working with stakeholders on technical specifications and quality standards.
- Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire product journey, including inventory health, pricing strategies, and end-of-life transitions.
- Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of industry trends and competitor movements to ensure the portfolio remains at the forefront of the sector.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure all products adhere to rigorous testing, certification, and regulatory requirements.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with marketing and design teams on packaging and branding, and support the sales team at major industry trade shows.
- International Engagement: Undertake occasional travel across Europe and the Far East for supplier audits and global exhibitions.
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven Track Record: Extensive experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer, specifically within a retail or distribution environment.
- Academic Background: Degree-educated in a business or marketing-related discipline.
- Analytical Prowess: Highly data-driven with the ability to interpret complex market trends and translate them into actionable commercial plans.
- Technical Literacy: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with ERP systems (such as Epicor) is highly advantageous.
- Professional Standing: MCIPS qualified (or currently studying towards) is preferred.
- Agility: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment with a focus on hitting commercial targets.
The Benefits
- Salary: £45,000 - £53,000 P/A
- Profit Sharing: Eligibility for an annual performance-related bonus scheme.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy an early finish every Friday at 2:00 PM and the option for hybrid working once established.
- Generous Leave: 25 days annual holiday (rising to 27 with tenure) plus bank holidays.
- Enhanced Pension: A scheme that boosts your voluntary contributions by an additional 10%.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to an enhanced health cash plan, 24/7 private GP service, and a full Employee Assistance Program.
- Free on-site parking, retail discount packages, and full provision of business technology (laptop/mobile).
Category Executive - Beverages in Birmingham employer: Procurement People
Contact Detail:
Procurement People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Executive - Beverages in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want to show them that you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values. Plus, having some insightful questions ready can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Executive, you’ll need to showcase your ability to secure the best deals. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those high-stakes conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Executive - Beverages in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Executive role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and commercial negotiation, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for product innovation and how you can drive our beverage category forward. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since we value data-driven decision-making, make sure to highlight your analytical prowess. Mention any tools or systems you've used to interpret market trends and how you've applied this knowledge in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining our family-run enterprise!
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement People
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure portfolios. Understand the current market trends, key players, and potential gaps in the market. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your analytical prowess.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Brush up on your negotiation skills! Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in securing optimal pricing and terms. Think of specific examples where you successfully negotiated with suppliers or partners, as this will highlight your commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since technical literacy is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. If you have experience with ERP systems like Epicor, mention it! Consider bringing a portfolio of your work that showcases your data-driven decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with marketing, design, or sales teams in the past. Highlight any successful projects that involved cross-functional leadership to show you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.