At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth through strategic management and supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join Shell, a leader in energy transition and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or wholesale, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Category Manager, 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.
A key focus of this role will be building strong partnerships with major branded suppliers, negotiating trading plans and delivering joint business initiatives that unlock mutual growth. We are keen to progress someone who will:
- 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
We’re looking for a commercially astute individual with experience in a Retail / Wholesale environment, ideally with exposure to high-volume, impulse-led categories. You will also 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
After you submit your application, you will receive an email from Shell providing a link to an online assessment (HireVue) that is a mandatory part of the process and has a validity period – please check your spam/junk mailbox if you do not see the email. Once completed, your application will be reviewed to determine next steps. Thank you for your interest in Shell.
You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.
Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together. Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead. Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices. Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise. Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself. Benefit from a range of flexible working options. Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world. Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents. Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply. Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams. Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.
We are committed to attracting a broader and more diverse pool of candidates. If this position doesn’t feel like the perfect fit for your qualifications right now, we’d still love to hear from you. Shell is working to advance an inclusive, psychologically safe and accessible environment where people with disabilities can excel. If you require any accommodations or accessibility adjustments (e.g. assistive technology, communication support, or other) during the application or interview process, please let us know when prompted in your application. We strive to ensure that our process and workplace is accessible to everyone and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to support your needs.
Category Manager in London employer: Shell
At Shell, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Manager in the UK, you will not only drive category growth but also benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive training programmes that support your professional development. Join us in our mission to lead the energy transition while enjoying a diverse and inclusive environment that values your unique contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Knowing their market position will help you stand out and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to strike deals. Role-play with a friend to build confidence.
✨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 take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience with category management, supplier relationships, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to showcase your negotiation skills and how you've driven category growth in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves analysing performance data, be sure to mention specific examples where you've turned insights into actionable strategies. We love seeing numbers that back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll receive all the necessary updates directly from us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shell
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like sales, margin, and profitability drivers. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify growth opportunities in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiating with suppliers is a big part of this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you built relationships and achieved mutual growth through effective trading plans.
✨Understand Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market dynamics and trends in the FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact category performance and what strategies you would implement to adapt.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across functions to deliver category initiatives. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
