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- Tasks: Manage product categories from sourcing to launch, driving growth and performance.
- Company: Join a thriving, forward-thinking organisation in the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, take ownership, and make a real impact on product development.
- Qualifications: Requires 3+ years in purchasing, a relevant degree, and strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Occasional overseas travel for supplier visits and trade shows; equal opportunities employer.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and driven purchasing professional looking for your next opportunity in a thriving, forward-thinking organisation? Do you enjoy working in a varied role where you can take full ownership of product categories from sourcing through to launch and ongoing performance? We have a superb opportunity for a Product Category Manager to join a busy and growing team, working across the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure sectors.
In this exciting role, you will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of products within your portfolio, identifying growth opportunities through market and competitor analysis, and driving product development from concept through to launch. You will build and maintain strong relationships with a global supplier base, negotiate competitive pricing and terms, and work cross-functionally to ensure that products meet specification, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Sourcing new suppliers
- Overseeing packaging and artwork creation
- Ensuring compliance with relevant certification and testing standards
- Collaborating with marketing to support category-related promotions
- Playing a key part in trade and retail shows
- Managing external creative support
- Supporting the resolution of any quality issues that arise
Reporting directly to the Purchasing Director, this is a vital role in a busy management team and will require occasional overseas travel for supplier visits and sourcing exhibitions.
To succeed in this role, you will need at least three years experience in a Purchasing Category Manager, Senior Buyer or equivalent position, ideally within the automotive or leisure sector. A degree in business, marketing or a related discipline is required, along with a strong understanding of product sourcing, development and quality processes. You will be highly organised, analytically minded, and a confident communicator with strong negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word is essential, and experience with ERP systems such as Epicor and/or MCIPS qualifications would be an advantage.
In return, this position offers a competitive salary depending on experience, a performance-based annual bonus, and hybrid working options following successful completion of the probation period. Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:00am to 2:00pm on Fridays, with 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service. Additional benefits include a contributory pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions, employee wellbeing and health support packages, and free onsite parking.
If you are a proactive and commercially astute category professional looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Detail:
Simkiss Guy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the automotive and leisure sectors. Understanding the specific trends, challenges, and opportunities in these industries will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the purchasing and product management fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves negotiating with suppliers, being able to demonstrate your ability to secure competitive pricing and terms will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to drive product decisions in the past. Being able to discuss specific instances where your analysis led to successful outcomes will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, product management, and any specific achievements in the automotive or leisure sectors. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what the company is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the industry. Discuss your experience in managing product lifecycles and how you have successfully identified growth opportunities in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. If you have experience with ERP systems like Epicor or hold MCIPS qualifications, make sure to mention these as they are advantageous for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires collaboration across teams and strong supplier relationships, provide examples of how you have effectively communicated and negotiated in past positions. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simkiss Guy
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in detail, especially those related to purchasing and product management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed product lifecycles or negotiated with suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires market and competitor analysis, come equipped with insights from your research. Discuss how you've used data to identify growth opportunities in past positions.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions about negotiation tactics and strategies. Think of examples where you’ve successfully negotiated pricing or terms with suppliers, and be ready to explain your approach.
✨Understand the Company and Industry
Research the company and its position within the automotive and leisure sectors. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
