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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and manage the entire lifecycle of automotive and leisure products.
- 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.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with opportunities for international travel.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong analytical skills required.
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).
Product Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Procurement People
Contact Detail:
Procurement People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Category Manager 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 Product Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and competitors. We want you to walk in there with confidence, ready to discuss how you can drive their strategy forward!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn complex market trends into actionable plans, especially for a strategic role like this.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to join our ambitious team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Category Manager 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 family-run enterprise. Share your passion for the automotive aftermarket and leisure markets, and how your skills align with our commitment to quality and innovation.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since we’re looking for someone who’s highly data-driven, make sure to highlight your analytical prowess. Include any relevant experience where you've interpreted market trends and turned them into actionable plans.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
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 current trends, key players, and potential gaps in the market. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your strategic thinking skills.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since commercial negotiation is a big part of the role, think about past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you achieved optimal outcomes. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your strategies clearly.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Brush up on your data interpretation skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've identified market trends and turned them into actionable plans, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of examples where you've worked with different teams, like marketing or sales, to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to lead and collaborate effectively, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you can bridge gaps between departments will set you apart.