Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise product categories to drive growth and profitability.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free food, enhanced leave, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role with diverse responsibilities.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years of buying experience, strong negotiation skills, and IT literacy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration across departments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Manager to oversee and optimise our product categories. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving category growth, managing product portfolios, and implementing data-driven strategies to maximise profitability. This role requires a strong understanding of supply chain logistics, merchandising, and project management, alongside advanced data analysis skills. The Category Manager will collaborate across departments to develop innovative product offerings and enhance overall business performance.
Responsibilities:
- Develop category strategies of high value and complexity which maximise value for money and a continuous improvement structure.
- Develop and implement cost-based reduction strategies capable of delivering annual saving targets.
- Collaborate with the wider business to identify products with low demand and make recommendations.
- Provide budget recommendations, and ensure the business is adequately prepared and conditioned.
- Conduct research and analyse market trends and how they will impact the business.
- Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders.
- Support implementation and deliver the ongoing value of the supplier vendor tool.
- Support delivery of sustainability strategy of the business.
- Lead on delivery of the business values and right first time agenda. Ensure that all aspects of Due Diligence (Food Safety, Quality and Legislation) are adhered to.
- Take the appropriate and reasonable action in the event of witnessing a breach (or potential breach) of Food Safety, Quality or Legislation.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Previous buying experience (minimum 6-10 years), particularly in FMCG environment.
- MCIPS qualified (or working towards MCIPS).
- Excellent negotiation skills and confident in dealing with suppliers.
- IT literate – a strong working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
- Detailed understanding of ingredient and packaging markets (particularly meat, dairy, chocolate, vegetables, plastics and cardboard).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate with various stakeholders within and outside of the business.
- To be capable of making/influencing decisions.
- Ability to challenge and lead change.
Personal Attributes:
- Ability to drive and visit multiple sites regularly in the UK and abroad.
- Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to prioritise conflicting demands and manage time effectively, responding to queries promptly.
- Ability to work on your own initiative.
- High level of attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Able to work under pressure.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Financial planning services
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
category manager employer: Tom Orange Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Tom Orange Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land category manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current Category Managers on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your data analysis skills and experience in FMCG. Bring examples of how you've driven category growth or improved profitability in past roles. We want to see your impact!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand their product categories and market trends before any interviews. This way, you can tailor your strategies and show them you’re the perfect fit for their needs. We love seeing candidates who’ve done their research!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in the world of category management!
We think you need these skills to ace category manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your previous buying experience and any relevant skills, like negotiations and data analysis. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 you can drive category growth. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of supply chain logistics and project management.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to optimise product categories and implement cost-saving strategies. Numbers speak volumes, so include any quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tom Orange Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your data analysis skills. Brush up on key metrics related to category growth and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions and improve performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is crucial in this role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about specific situations where you managed supplier relationships or secured better terms. This will show your confidence and capability in dealing with suppliers.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Research current market trends relevant to the FMCG sector, especially in the categories you'll be managing. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the business and suggest innovative product offerings that align with them.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Department Collaboration
Collaboration is key for a Category Manager. Prepare to share examples of how you've worked with different departments in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve common goals.