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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management and strategy for pet products, driving sales and team performance.
- Company: Join Pet Drugs Online, a top UK supplier of affordable veterinary medicines.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pet care industry while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in category management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Pet Drugs Online is proud to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of affordable veterinary medicines and pet products, committed to ensuring the best possible care for every pet. As a major retailer and a member of IVC Evidensia, the largest veterinary group in the UK and Europe, we work to enhance the health and happiness of pets nationwide!
About the role
As the Head of Category Management, you’ll own the end‑to‑end commercial strategy across all categories ensuring compelling ranges, best‑in‑class execution, and outstanding financial performance. You will guide a team of Category Managers who each own their category’s trading, planning, and supplier relationships. This is a high‑impact role where strategic thinking meets hands‑on commercial leadership.
What you'll do
- Category Leadership & Strategy
- Deliver total category portfolio sales, margin, and income targets.
- Define and implement the overarching category strategy aligned to business goals and customer needs.
- Develop seasonal trade plans and promotional frameworks.
- Own taxonomy, site navigation principles, pricing architecture, and category guardrails.
- Oversee supplier negotiations, cost price management, and funding agreements.
- Manage supplier performance (OTIF, compliance) and escalate issues where needed.
- Govern product onboarding standards including data, imagery, and compliance.
- Ensure stock health and cash flow targets are met.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Category Managers.
- Build capability in negotiation, analytics, and strategic planning.
- Foster a culture of data‑driven decision‑making and strong supplier collaboration.
- Partner with Digital Trading on promotional execution and on‑site merchandising.
- Work with Marketing to align category priorities to campaign plans.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain to drive availability and high service levels.
What you'll bring
- Extensive experience in category management and buying within retail or ecommerce.
- Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing high‑performing teams.
- Expert negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate customer insight into strategy.
- Knowledge of pricing, promotional mechanics, and range planning.
- Comfortable working with analytics tools, forecasting systems, and data-led decision-making.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build the future of Pet Food retail.
At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Any questions before applying? Speak to Danielle Hughes from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.
Head of Category Management employer: VC Evidensia UK
Contact Detail:
VC Evidensia UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Management
✨Tip Number 1
Research the company inside out! Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in Pet Drugs Online.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and get insider tips on what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to category management and leadership. Think of examples from your past experience that showcase your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pets: When writing your application, let your love for pets shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Pet Drugs Online. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to pet care.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Category Management role. Highlight your experience in category management and buying, and how it relates to our goals. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with what we do!
Be Data-Driven: Since we value data-driven decision-making, include examples in your application that showcase your analytical skills. Whether it's a successful project or a strategic decision, we want to know how you’ve used data to drive results.
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 the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our company while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at VC Evidensia UK
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into Pet Drugs Online's product categories. Understand their current offerings and think about how you can enhance them. Be ready to discuss specific strategies for category management that align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Category Management, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your coaching methods and how you've developed high-performing teams, as this will resonate well with their focus on team development.
✨Master the Numbers
Brush up on your commercial acumen and be prepared to discuss financial performance metrics. Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to category management, such as sales, margin, and stock health, so you can confidently speak to how you would drive these metrics.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about cross-functional collaboration. Think of examples where you've partnered with marketing, supply chain, or digital teams to achieve common goals. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively across departments, which is essential for this role.
