At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and profitability for a key category in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join a well-known specialist retailer experiencing exciting growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and great employee benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a fantastic employer who invests in staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on trading strategies and grow your career in retail.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in fast-paced retail.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Trading Manager to join a well-known specialist retailer as their business goes through an exciting period of growth. Reporting into the Senior Category Manager, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of a commercially focused Trading Plan to achieve defined sales and profit targets.
Some of your duties will include:
- Delivering the sales and profitability targets for the set category.
- Creating a 12-month trading plan for your category.
- Working with the Category Manager to develop a longer-term commercial Category Strategy utilising market and customer insights that deliver profitable sales and market share growth.
- Continually reviewing the trading plan KPI’s and remedying any shortfalls in delivery targets.
- Monitoring, reviewing and negotiating trading terms with suppliers.
- Tracking market insights and competitor pricing positions and using these to inform and amend trading plans.
- Liaising with the Category Manager to set the retail pricing for your category within the pricing framework.
Key requirements for the role:
- Proven experience as Buyer or Category Manager within a fast-paced retail environment ideally within GM, Home, DIY or Tech Categories.
- Able to liaise, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels.
- Strong communicator with a commercial mind.
- Ability to adapt swiftly in a fast-paced, ever-changing retail market.
- Good working knowledge of budgets and managing conflicting projects.
- Excellent understanding of all MS Office products including advanced Excel.
If you think you have the right experience and want a fresh opportunity with a fantastic employer who really invests in their staff and offers a fantastic working environment and employee benefits, then get in touch and apply today.
Category Manager - General Merchandise employer: Rise Resourcing
Join a dynamic and supportive team in the Bristol area, where our commitment to employee development and well-being sets us apart as an exceptional employer. We offer competitive salaries, a collaborative work culture, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that you can thrive in your role as a Category Manager while contributing to our exciting journey of expansion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - General Merchandise
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Rise Resourcing, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Rise Resourcing!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - General Merchandise
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Rise Resourcing, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Rise Resourcing and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Rise Resourcing that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rise Resourcing
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
