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- Tasks: Manage product categories from sourcing to launch, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Rays Industrial Inspection Services, a forward-thinking organisation in the automotive and leisure sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, drive product innovation, and build global supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Requires 3+ years in purchasing, a relevant degree, and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for overseas travel and participation in trade shows.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and driven purchasing professional looking for your next opportunity in a thriving, forward-thinking organisation? Do you enjoy working in a varied role where you can take full ownership of product categories from sourcing through to launch and ongoing performance? We have a superb opportunity for a Product Category Manager to join a busy and growing team, working across the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure sectors.
In this exciting Product Category Manager role, you will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of products within your portfolio, identifying growth opportunities through market and competitor analysis, and driving product development from concept through to launch. You will build and maintain strong relationships with a global supplier base, negotiate competitive pricing and terms, and work cross-functionally to ensure that products meet specification, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include sourcing new suppliers, overseeing packaging and artwork creation, ensuring compliance with relevant certification and testing standards, and collaborating with marketing to support category-related promotions. You will also play a key part in trade and retail shows, manage external creative support, and support the resolution of any quality issues that arise. Reporting directly to the Purchasing Director, this is a vital role in a busy management team and will require occasional overseas travel for supplier visits and sourcing exhibitions.
To succeed in this Product Category Manager role, you will need at least three years experience in a Purchasing Category Manager, Senior Buyer or equivalent position, ideally within the automotive or leisure sector. A degree in business, marketing or a related discipline is required, along with a strong understanding of product sourcing, development and quality processes. You will be highly organised, analytically minded, and a confident communicator with strong negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word is essential, and experience with ERP systems such as Epicor and/or MCIPS qualifications would be an advantage.
In return, this position offers a competitive salary depending on experience, a performance-based annual bonus, and hybrid working options following successful completion of the probation period. Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:00am to 2:00pm on Fridays, with 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service. Additional benefits include a contributory pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions, employee wellbeing and health support packages, and free onsite parking.
If you are a proactive and commercially astute category professional looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
Product Category Manager employer: Rays Industrial Inspection Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Rays Industrial Inspection Services (Pvt.) Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Research Rays Industrial Inspection Services thoroughly. Understand their product categories, market position, and recent developments in the automotive and leisure sectors. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in product category management. Attend relevant trade shows or exhibitions to connect with potential colleagues and suppliers, which can give you insights into the role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed product lifecycles in previous roles. Highlight your experience in sourcing, negotiating, and collaborating across teams, as these are key aspects of the Product Category Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with ERP systems like Epicor, as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during discussions can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and category management, particularly within the automotive or leisure sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in product sourcing, development, and negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the full product lifecycle and how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your analytical mindset, organisational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. If you have experience with ERP systems like Epicor or hold MCIPS qualifications, make sure to include these as they are advantageous for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as successful product launches or cost savings achieved through negotiations. This will help demonstrate your impact in previous roles and your potential value to Rays Industrial Inspection Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rays Industrial Inspection Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in detail, especially those related to purchasing and product management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed product lifecycles or negotiated with suppliers.
✨Understand the Industry
Research Rays Industrial Inspection Services and the sectors they operate in, particularly the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure sectors. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in these industries will demonstrate your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires market and competitor analysis, be ready to discuss how you approach data analysis. Share examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful product decisions or growth opportunities in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of negotiation in this role, think of scenarios where you've had to negotiate pricing or terms with suppliers. Be ready to explain your strategy and the outcomes, showcasing your confidence and effectiveness in negotiations.
