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- Tasks: Drive sales by negotiating prices and planning promotions in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic team in Harlow, Essex, focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team where your energy and initiative are valued.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that directly influence sales and market trends.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or commercial roles, strong negotiation skills, and Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This isn't your standard buying role. Our client isn't looking for someone to tick boxes or wait for sign-off. You'll be making the commercial calls that drive sales, setting sell-out prices that beat the competition and planning the promotional activity that keeps the business ahead week in, week out. If you have the instinct to spot an opportunity and the confidence to act on it, this is the role you've been waiting for.
What you'll be doing:
- Negotiating cost prices with suppliers to protect and grow margin
- Shaping and managing product ranges across your category
- Setting pricing and planning weekly promotional activity
- Monitoring competitor activity and market trends
- Forecasting category performance using data and Excel
- Working cross-functionally with marketing and commercial teams
- Executing promotions online and in-store
What we're looking for:
- Experience in buying, selling or a similar commercial role
- Strong instinct for turning product decisions into sales
- Confidence negotiating with suppliers at all levels
- Comfort with Excel, pivot tables and data-led analysis
- Ability to manage competing priorities and move quickly
- Background in tools or hardware (desirable but not essential)
- Energy, initiative and a team‑first mentality
The kind of person who thrives here:
This is a fast‑paced, close‑knit team where personality matters as much as experience. You'll be full of energy, confident making decisions quickly and sharp enough commercially to turn buying decisions into real sales results.
To apply: Contact SRM Recruitment in confidence. All applications are handled discreetly and the client will remain anonymous at this stage.
Category Controller in Essex employer: SRM Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SRM Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to buying and selling. Think about how you can showcase your instinct for spotting opportunities and your confidence in negotiations.
✨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 the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commercial Savvy: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in making commercial decisions. We want to see how you've turned product choices into sales and how you can bring that instinct to our team.
Be Confident with Numbers: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t shy away from showcasing your Excel skills. Mention any experience with pivot tables or forecasting, as it’ll show us you’re comfortable with the analytical side of things.
Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills: We love a good negotiator! In your application, share examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or managed cost prices. This will help us see your confidence and ability to protect margins.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at SRM Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Controller, you'll need to be comfortable with data and Excel. Brush up on your skills with pivot tables and data analysis before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive sales or make product decisions in the past.
✨Show Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiating with suppliers is a key part of this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on how you protected margins or secured better pricing. Confidence is key, so practice articulating your approach clearly.
✨Stay Ahead of the Competition
Research the company’s competitors and current market trends. Be prepared to discuss how you would monitor competitor activity and what strategies you might implement to keep the business ahead. This shows that you’re proactive and understand the market landscape.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Initiative
This role requires a team-first mentality. Think of examples where you've worked cross-functionally or taken the initiative to drive a project forward. Highlighting your energy and collaborative spirit will resonate well with the hiring team.