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- Tasks: Manage product categories from sourcing to launch, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a thriving 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, drive product innovation, and build global supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Requires 3+ years in purchasing, a relevant degree, and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Occasional overseas travel for supplier visits and trade shows.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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 Product Category Manager 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 Product Category Manager 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.
Product Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Simkiss Guy
Contact Detail:
Simkiss Guy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the automotive and leisure sectors. Understanding the latest 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
Prepare to discuss your experience with product lifecycle management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed products from sourcing to launch, highlighting any measurable outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and product management. Emphasise your achievements in sourcing, supplier negotiation, and product lifecycle management, particularly in the automotive or leisure sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the industry. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed product categories and driven growth through market analysis and supplier relationships.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in negotiation, analytical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and any experience with ERP systems like Epicor.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Role: Demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Discuss your approach to managing product lifecycles, ensuring compliance, and supporting marketing efforts for category promotions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simkiss Guy
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in purchasing and category management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed product lifecycles, sourced suppliers, or negotiated terms. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Understand the Market
Research the automotive and leisure sectors thoroughly. Be ready to discuss current trends, competitors, and potential growth opportunities. This knowledge will show your enthusiasm for the industry and your proactive approach to the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past positions. Bring examples of market analysis or performance metrics that influenced your strategies.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of negotiation in this role, think of scenarios where you've successfully negotiated pricing or terms with suppliers. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes, showcasing your confidence and skills in this area.
