At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and drive profitable growth across our European business.
- Company: Join RS Group, a global leader in innovative solutions for over 80 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with travel opportunities and a dynamic team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our industry and make a real impact with your ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Corby, ENG, GB, NN17 5JF
Brand: RS Group
Work Location: Hybrid
This is a hybrid role, offering a combination of being able to work remotely and from our European offices – there will be some travel involved across our European business.
The Opportunity
The Category Director is accountable for developing the category strategy/business plan aligned with group, regional and local stakeholders enabling targeted profitable growth, customer acquisition and ROI in addition to effective supplier management through delivery of the best in class regional offer for our customers. The strategy defines and details the regional supplier portfolio, product range and growth initiatives. The category strategy and business plans are developed collaboratively with key stakeholders across the business. Most importantly this incorporates support of local go-to-market strategies, e.g. focus on specific industry verticals and local hero brands. It defines and details the regional supplier portfolio, product range and growth initiatives. It is also the foundation for plans and execution of supplier management and other related functions.
Alongside the development and execution of the aligned Category strategy, the Category Director is accountable for delivering the budgeted category revenue and margin performance of the category whilst maintaining the relevant stock metrics (stock turn, inventory holding and provision management). Supports their team in optimising the commercial terms from each supplier managed within the category, usually linked to regional initiatives that rely on supplier support. The Category Director also leads the development of senior / C‑suite relationships with the most important and strategic suppliers, facilitating strategic partnerships to optimise joint business growth and provide a point of escalation to defuse any conflict. They should also support the development of relationships of RS leadership with their supplier equivalents.
Accountable for the people management of the category team, supporting their personal development and coaching to optimise their portfolio and supplier management execution against the strategy. Ensures high potential talent is identified and supported with corresponding personal development plan. Succession plans in place for the category to support smooth transition as key individuals progress. Defines KPIs and category priorities for the team with associated objectives and review cycle. Takes the lead in managing the cross functional category leadership team supporting the E2E teams and maintaining alignment around the holistic category strategy. This provides a point of escalation for the end-to-end “cell” teams and facilitates removing blockers that are preventing execution of the strategy.
What You Will Be Doing
Supports their team in optimising the commercial terms from each supplier managed within the category, usually linked to regional initiatives that rely on supplier support. The Category Director also leads the development of senior / C‑suite relationships with the most important and strategic suppliers, facilitating strategic partnerships to optimise joint business growth and provide a point of escalation to defuse any conflict. They should also support the development of relationships of RS leadership with their supplier equivalents. Accountable for the people management of the category team, supporting their personal development and coaching to optimise their portfolio and supplier management execution against the strategy. Ensures high potential talent is identified and supported with corresponding personal development plan. Succession plans in place for the category to support smooth transition as key individuals progress. Defines KPIs and category priorities for the team with associated objectives and review cycle. Takes the lead in managing the cross functional category leadership team supporting the E2E teams and maintaining alignment around the holistic category strategy. This provides a point of escalation for the end-to-end “cell” teams and facilitates removing blockers that are preventing execution of the strategy.
Achieving budgeted category revenue, margin and stock turn targets for the Category. Executing on aligned category strategy supporting the region's and markets' go to market strategies. Achieving agreed targets for regional initiatives reflected in the regional budget (e.g. Direct Procurement). Market share growth for Strategic and Key suppliers and for the category as a whole. Achieving rebate and marketing funding targets for the Category. Executing agreed NPI plan for Category and delivering budgeted NPI revenue. Effective alignment and management of the E2E category team to achieve all cross functional E2E KPIs. Supporting growth and development of top talent within the Category and subsequent execution of the succession plan to ensure continuity. Develop a digital mindset within the team to make better business decisions.
What You’ll Bring
Essential experience required: Demonstrable expertise at managing within a matrix organisation. Experience of both Buying and Product management (Category management) delivering great growth results whilst improving commercial profitability. Successful development and execution of a category strategy that has delivered profitable growth and market share gains. Ability to function effectively across cultures, to think and act appropriately and to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds. Collaborative team player finding common ground to find a way forward. Strong commercial acumen and communication skills. Proven ability to lead and develop high performing teams. Problem solving capabilities, finding positive solutions from challenging circumstances. Can demonstrate effective working and adaption to a changing environment, quickly accepting and driving the change through themselves and their team. Relevant technology experience/technical expertise. Ability to communicate effectively in a second language alongside fluent English, ideally having lived in more than one country.
Key opportunities for growth in this role
Help shape the strategic direction for the region through offering insight at a category level, informed by suppliers investment plans/strategic direction. Opportunity to develop influencing skills and build cross functional relationships across the region. Develop senior external supplier relationships, broadening understanding of external markets (suppliers/industries/technologies). Optimise negotiation skills through Supplier interactions to optimise commercial returns for RS Group. Interaction with the broader P&SC leadership team to better understand the E2E dynamics of buying and distributing products. Opportunity to be an evangelist for RS Group with suppliers, selling our value proposition and embedding RS as a preferred partner within their go to market strategy/approach. Driving innovation through adapting to new technology or finding new solutions to solve problems/challenges.
We Are RS
We’ve been solving industry problems for over 80 years. We turn the ‘what ifs’ into the ‘why nots’, the impossible into the possible. Our purpose? Making amazing happen for a better world. We offer service and product solutions to over 1.2 million customers globally, shipping a parcel every 2 seconds to over 130 countries. With over 800,000 stocked and 3 million unstocked products, we’re a trusted partner to the world’s leading industries. We’re looking for curious, driven, and empathetic professionals to join our journey. People who think differently, act with purpose, and want to make a real impact.
Rewards
Our Reward Strategy Philosophy is designed to offer market competitive base salaries and provide all of our people the opportunity to participate in a short-term incentive, enabling them to share in the success of the Company. Our total reward package is more than just the cash; our recognition and benefit offering provide the opportunity for us to recognise, reward and enable the wellbeing of our people at all stages of their journey with RS. Our rewards and benefits vary by country, but include:
- Financial - pension/retirement; life assurance; salary finance (payroll deduction loan scheme)
- Wellbeing - medical plans; health screening; critical illness; disability insurance; holiday / paid time off; employee assistance programme; discounted gym/health club membership
- Lifestyle - transportation assistance schemes (e.g., cycle to work, travel loans, car leasing); onsite catering/lunch vouchers; retail discounts
- Spotlight – our global recognition programme provides a platform to highlight and recognise people role modelling our values
Ready to Make Amazing Happen?
Join c. 9,000 colleagues and help us shape the future of our industry. Whoever you are, wherever you are — it all starts here. Apply now and make RS a part of your journey.
Category Director in Corby employer: Rsgroup
RS Group is an exceptional employer, offering a hybrid work environment that fosters flexibility and collaboration across European offices. With a strong focus on employee development, our culture encourages personal growth through tailored coaching and succession planning, ensuring that high-potential talent is nurtured. Additionally, our competitive rewards package and commitment to wellbeing make RS Group a truly rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Director in Corby
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Category Director at Rsgroup!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Rsgroup or be willing to refer you for that Category Director position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Rsgroup who’s on the lookout for their next Category Director star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Category Director role at Rsgroup!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Director in Corby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Rsgroup. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rsgroup
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Rsgroup. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
