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- Tasks: Manage product categories from sourcing to launch and performance analysis.
- Company: Thriving organisation in the Automotive Aftermarket and Leisure sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, hybrid working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and occasional overseas travel.
- Why this job: Take ownership of exciting products and drive innovation in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product management, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in business or marketing.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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 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 Manager role, you will need at least five years experience in a Product 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.
Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Simkiss Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Simkiss Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive and leisure sectors. Attend industry events, trade shows, or even local meetups to make those valuable contacts that could lead to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past successes in product management, sourcing, and negotiations. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Product Category Manager. Tailor your conversation to reflect the specific needs of the company and demonstrate your understanding of their market.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It’s a great way to ensure your CV lands in the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, we love hearing from proactive candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in product sourcing, development, and any relevant achievements in the automotive or leisure sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your strong negotiation skills and experience with supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves market and competitor analysis, be sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention specific tools or methods you've used to identify growth opportunities in previous roles. We love data-driven decision-makers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simkiss Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Product Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the full lifecycle of products, especially in the automotive and leisure sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've managed product sourcing, development, and quality processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to conduct market and competitor analysis. Bring examples of how you've identified growth opportunities in past positions and how that led to successful product launches.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Experience
Since negotiating competitive pricing and terms is key for this role, think of specific instances where your negotiation skills made a difference. Be prepared to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight any experience you have with marketing or compliance to show you're a team player.