At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth through innovative management and strategic planning.
- Company: Join a leading convenience retail team at Shell.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Shape customer-focused offers and make a real impact in a high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Category Manager in the UK Convenience Retail team, you will take ownership of defined product areas, delivering category growth through best-in-class category management. This includes developing and executing range plans, merchandising, pricing, and promotions.
What You'll Be Doing
- Own category performance, delivering against sales, margin and profit targets
- Analyse performance data and market trends to identify growth opportunities
- Develop and implement category plans across range, merchandising, pricing and promotions
- Build and manage relationships with large, branded FMCG suppliers
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage joint business planning activities
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver category initiatives effectively
- Adapt quickly to changes in market dynamics and customer behaviour
What You Bring
- Experience as a Category Manager / Buyer
- Proven experience working with large, branded suppliers in a commercial setting
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
- Solid understanding of sales, margin and profitability drivers
- Analytical capability with the ability to turn insights into action
- A proactive, results‑driven mindset with strong ownership
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- The ability to operate at pace and manage competing priorities
Why Join Us
This is a great opportunity to play a key role in shaping a dynamic, customer‑focused offer in a high‑growth convenience channel, working with leading brands and delivering tangible commercial impact.
Working Conditions
Hybrid working is in place with a minimum of 3 days in our London office.
Benefits & EEO Statement
- Competitive starting salary and annual performance‑related salary increase
- Paid parental leave, including for non‑birthing parents
- Flexible working options
- Diverse and inclusive work environment; support for accessibility adjustments
- Various training and development programmes
- Opportunities for career progression across national and international teams
Shell is committed to attracting a broader and more diverse pool of candidates and to ensuring a psychologically safe and accessible environment. We make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities.
Category Manager employer: Shell
As a Category Manager at Shell, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions diversity and offers flexible working options. With competitive salaries, opportunities for career progression, and a commitment to employee development, you'll be empowered to make a tangible impact in the high-growth convenience retail sector while collaborating with leading brands in our London office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Category Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their category management strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience with FMCG suppliers and any relevant achievements in category management. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves analysing performance data, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical capabilities. Include examples of how you've turned insights into actionable plans in your previous roles. We love a data-driven mindset!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills align with our needs. We appreciate a personal touch, so let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shell
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific product areas you'll be managing. Understand the current trends, key players, and potential growth opportunities in those categories. This will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with suppliers. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms and built strong relationships. This is crucial for a Category Manager role, so make sure to demonstrate your prowess in this area.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive category performance in the past. Bring examples of how you've analysed market trends and turned insights into actionable plans. This will illustrate your analytical capabilities.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with different teams to achieve category goals. Be prepared to share how you managed stakeholder relationships and communicated effectively across functions. This will highlight your teamwork skills.
