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- Tasks: Lead product strategy and drive sales growth in cables and accessories.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovation and market leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping product offerings and driving market success.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management and strong understanding of cabling products.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with international suppliers and enhance your professional skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Product Category Manager, you are responsible for leading and developing the Group’s product offering across defined markets. Your primary goal is to drive sales growth through portfolio diversification, product rationalisation, strategic sourcing, and product innovation — increasing market share and unlocking new revenue opportunities within a competitive sector.
You will own the commercial and technical strategy for the category, working closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers. From product sourcing and new product introduction (NPI) to pricing, compliance, and lifecycle management, you will ensure our products meet customer needs, adhere to relevant standards, and deliver strong commercial performance.
Roles and Responsibilities- Own and develop the product strategy for the category and related product ranges.
- Identify opportunities for product diversification and range expansion to support market penetration and sales growth.
- Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) processes — including market research, supplier selection, technical evaluation, cost modelling, and go-to-market planning.
- Engage with both domestic and international suppliers to source innovative products, negotiate pricing, and manage ongoing performance.
- Drive product and supplier consolidation initiatives to simplify the range, improve purchasing efficiency, including optimised stock levels, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
- Monitor and manage the overall performance of the product range, including sales, margins, and market share metrics.
- Collaborate closely with the Sales team to enhance market penetration, ensuring alignment on product positioning, customer needs, and competitive intelligence.
- Ensure all products meet relevant technical specifications, compliance requirements (e.g., BS, IEC, RoHS, CPR), and customer expectations.
- Develop and maintain accurate product data, including specifications, certifications, datasheets, ERP information, and commercial documentation.
- Own pricing strategy and margin performance for the category — ensuring products are both commercially viable and competitively positioned.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments to shape the product roadmap and identify opportunities for innovation or value engineering.
- Work with Purchasing teams to manage supplier performance and lead times.
- Adhere to all health and safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and following safe working practices.
- Be aware of hazards around the site and be proactive in identifying them and supporting the removal of hazards identified by others.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, including anti-bribery and data protection.
- Provides strategic direction for the product category, aligning decisions with overall business goals.
- Takes commercial ownership of pricing, profitability, and supplier performance to drive sustainable growth.
- Builds strong, cross-functional relationships with Sales, Purchasing, Operations, and Marketing to deliver category success.
- Establishes and manages effective supplier partnerships to secure quality, reliability, and cost competitiveness.
- Uses data and market insight to make clear, informed decisions that balance risk, cost, and opportunity.
- Champions customer needs and ensures products meet evolving market demands and technical standards.
- Identifies and solves problems proactively to maintain project momentum and prevent disruption.
- Leads innovation through product development and NPI, responding to market trends and emerging technologies.
- Communicates clearly and confidently with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Maintains a strong results focus, tracking and responding to key performance indicators such as sales, margin, and market share.
- Collaborates effectively across teams, encouraging alignment and a shared commitment to product performance.
- Adapts quickly to change, leading the category through supplier shifts, product transitions, and market challenges.
- Drives their personal development with support from the line manager.
- Proven experience in a Product Manager, Category Manager, or Technical Buyer role within the cabling, electrical, or industrial product sectors.
- Strong understanding of cabling products and applicable industry standards (e.g., BS EN, IEC, RoHS, CPR) is highly desirable.
- Demonstrable success in launching new products, driving growth in defined product categories, and increasing market share.
- Experience with international supplier engagement, sourcing, and negotiation.
- Commercially astute with strong pricing, margin analysis, and strategic planning skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with ERP systems is highly desirable.
Product Category Manager - Cables & Accessories in Luton employer: Shoal Group
Contact Detail:
Shoal Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Category Manager - Cables & Accessories in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Product Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in product innovation and market growth. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly communicate your past successes in product management and how you can drive sales growth. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Category Manager - Cables & Accessories in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in product management, especially in cabling or electrical sectors, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with our goals at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for product innovation and how you’ve successfully driven sales growth in previous positions. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of industry standards!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We love data-driven decision-making! In your application, highlight examples where you've used market insights or performance metrics to shape product strategies. This will show us you can balance risk, cost, and opportunity effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and ensure your details are processed smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shoal Group
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the cabling and accessories market. Familiarise yourself with key products, industry standards like BS EN and IEC, and recent trends. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive product innovation and growth.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your approach to product strategy and portfolio diversification. Think of specific examples where you've successfully identified opportunities for growth or led New Product Introductions (NPI). Highlight your ability to analyse market data and make informed decisions that align with business goals.
✨Demonstrate Strong Supplier Engagement Skills
Since this role involves working closely with suppliers, come ready to share your experiences in sourcing and negotiating with international suppliers. Discuss how you've built strong partnerships and managed supplier performance to ensure quality and cost competitiveness.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about how you work with different teams, such as Sales and Purchasing. Be ready to provide examples of how you've collaborated effectively to enhance product positioning and market penetration. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.