At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy, manage product range, and drive innovation in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join a well-known retailer with a commitment to employee growth and development.
- Benefits: Relocation support, flexible working options, and a fantastic working environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and a dynamic work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product offerings and drive category growth with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Senior Buyer/Category Manager in retail and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
*** THIS ROLE WOULD INVOLVE RELOCATION - OR FLEXIBILITY TO BE OFFICE BASED 3 DAYS A WEEK IN THE SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND ***
I'm currently recruiting for a Senior Category Manager to join a well-known retailer based at the head office in South West of England. You will be supporting the Head of Trading to deliver commercially focused product ranges that meet both Departmental and Company targets, while maintaining a strategic business focus to ensure continued growth within the department.
As the Senior Category Manager some of your duties will include:
- Developing and executing the category strategy and full management of product range, pricing, and promotion.
- Owning full P&L accountability for the category, including sales, margin, stock, and working capital KPIs.
- Building & maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating commercial terms and reviewing contracts.
- Confidently presenting department strategy, performance results, risks, and opportunities to the board & senior leadership team.
- Constant competitor and price analysis including ensuring the competitive positioning of the category.
- Driving category innovation by identifying new product opportunities, reviewing & phasing out underperforming SKUs, and swiftly responding to emerging trends / markets.
- Analysing sales figures to plan successful future lines.
- Presenting reports, figures, and trend information to the Board & Senior Management team.
- Developing and leading the category & trading team to ensure they fulfil their individual career potential.
Key requirements for the role:
- Strong previous experience as a Senior Buyer / Category Manager within a fast-moving retail environment.
- Excellent track record of delivering strong category growth, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and overall commercial management.
- Ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
- Able to adapt swiftly in a fast-paced market.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively at all levels.
- Good working knowledge of budgets and managing conflicting projects.
- Excellent understanding of all MS Office products.
If you think you have the right experience as a Senior Category Manager or are looking for the next step up from a Senior Buyer 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.
Senior Category Manager - GM in Slough employer: Rise Resourcing
Join a leading retailer in the South West of England as a Senior Category Manager, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and innovation. With a strong commitment to investing in staff, the company offers excellent benefits and opportunities for career growth, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment. Experience a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and strategic thinking while enjoying the perks of working in a vibrant region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - GM in Slough
✨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 Senior Category Manager - GM in Slough
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!
