At a Glance
- Tasks: Own product categories, drive sales, and develop strategies for growth.
- Company: Global sporting goods manufacturer with a strong brand presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about sports and consumer products.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced industry while collaborating across teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or similar roles, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job title
Category Manager
Location
Bridgend
Salary
About the Role
Our client is a global sporting goods manufacturer, distributing well-known brands to retail partners in the UK and internationally.
They are hiring a Category Manager to take ownership of designated product categories, covering commercial performance, product range decisions, and category strategy.
The role sits at the intersection of Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Supply Chain, and reports into the wider commercial function.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Strategy & Performance
- Own the commercial performance of designated product categories across their full lifecycle, from range planning through to end-of-life decisions.
- Develop category strategies with the aim of growing sales, profitability, and market share within those categories.
- Lead category reviews, presenting data-backed recommendations to internal stakeholders and to key retail partners.
- Data & Market Analysis
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and commercial performance data to identify specific growth opportunities within each category.
- Use customer, sales, and market data to make decisions on product ranges, pricing, merchandising, and promotional activity.
- Produce regular commercial reports, forecasts, and performance insights using Excel and business reporting tools.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with Product Development to identify opportunities for new products, product enhancements, or range rationalisation, based on demand and commercial potential.
- Work with Marketing on product launches and seasonal campaigns.
- Work with Supply Chain on stock availability and inventory performance.
- Build relationships with key customers and distributors, including joint business planning.
Experience Required
- Proven experience in Category Management, Product Management, or a similar commercial role with direct responsibility for product performance.
- Experience translating market insight into commercial strategy, with evidence of measurable results.
- Advanced Excel skills, and experience using business reporting tools (please specify which, if known, e. g. Power BI, Tableau).
- Experience presenting data-driven recommendations to internal stakeholders and external retail partners.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data sets and translate them into commercial decisions.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to stakeholders at different levels.
- Project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple categories or workstreams at once.
- Experience influencing decisions across departments that don't report directly into this role.
Desirable
- Experience within sporting goods, consumer products, or retail specifically.
- Knowledge of category management principles and shopper insight data.
- Experience working across international markets.
This role should interest people that have been in Category Manager, Product Manager (FMCG or retail), Senior Buyer OR Brand Manager.
For immediate consideration please send CV in today
Locations
Category Manager in Bridgend, Wales employer: Sadler Recruitment
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Bridgend, Wales
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Sadler Recruitment and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Sadler Recruitment are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Sadler Recruitment on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Sadler Recruitment. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Bridgend, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Sadler Recruitment. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Sadler Recruitment:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Sadler Recruitment’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sadler Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Sadler Recruitment will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Sadler Recruitment, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
