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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, and generous holiday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving innovation in product categories.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Manager or Senior Buyer, with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working options and excellent career growth opportunities.
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 Manager Food in Birmingham employer: Procurement People
Contact Detail:
Procurement People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Food 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 help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and market position. This will show your genuine interest and help us stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨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 Manager Food in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager Food. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and product innovation, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your analytical prowess.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our ambitious team. Share specific examples of how you've driven successful product strategies and managed supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we’re looking for someone who’s highly data-driven, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with ERP systems. We want to see how you’ve used data to inform your decisions and drive results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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 how you've successfully led negotiations in the past. Think of specific examples where you secured optimal pricing or improved supplier relationships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is essential, be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles. Maybe even prepare a quick presentation to showcase your data interpretation skills if the opportunity arises!
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with different teams, especially marketing and design. Share examples of how you've collaborated on product launches or branding initiatives, as this will resonate well with their focus on cross-functional leadership.