At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and develop a product portfolio in PPE and safety categories.
- Company: Market-leading supplier of industrial products with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and strong benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working available after probation with career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain genuine ownership and visibility in a growing international business.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management, buying, or product management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Erith, Kent (Hybrid after probation)
Salary: £30,000–£40,000 + Bonus + Benefits
The Opportunity
We’re recruiting exclusively for an exciting Category Manager opportunity with a market-leading supplier of industrial products, PPE, tools, fixings and workplace solutions. This is a commercially focused category role where you’ll take ownership of a defined product portfolio and help shape category direction, supplier strategy, product launches, range optimisation and commercial performance. You’ll sit at the centre of the business, partnering with purchasing, suppliers, marketing, sales and international stakeholders to ensure the category remains competitive, commercially strong and aligned to customer demand. This role would suit someone who enjoys combining commercial thinking with product/category ownership.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and develop a defined category portfolio
- Identify opportunities for growth, product improvement and range optimisation
- Manage the full product lifecycle including launches, amendments and discontinuations
- Work closely with suppliers and international stakeholders to improve range performance
- Analyse competitor activity, pricing, trends and customer demand
- Support sales and marketing with product expertise, training and commercial insight
- Monitor category KPIs including margin, stock health, performance and product visibility
- Ensure product information, compliance and technical documentation are accurate
What We’re Looking For
We’re keen to speak with candidates who have experience in one or more of the following:
- Category Management
- Buying / Procurement
- Product Management
- Technical Product Categories
- PPE / Safety / Workwear / Industrial Supplies / MRO
You’ll likely be:
- Commercially minded
- Data driven
- Comfortable managing stakeholders
- Strong with suppliers and product ranges
- Curious and technically minded
Why Apply?
- Genuine ownership and visibility
- Growing, international business
- Career progression opportunities
- Hybrid working after probation
- Bonus opportunity
- Strong benefits package
Category Manager in Kent employer: W Talent
Join a dynamic and growing international business as a Category Manager in Erith, Kent, where you will enjoy genuine ownership of your product portfolio and the opportunity to shape category direction. With a strong focus on career progression, hybrid working options after probation, and a competitive benefits package, this role offers a rewarding environment for commercially minded individuals who thrive on collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Category Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their category strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in category management and how you’ve driven growth in previous roles. We want to hear your story and how you can bring that success to their team.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management, product lifecycle, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed product portfolios or improved category performance in the past. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:Since this role is commercially focused, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of market trends, competitor analysis, and customer demand in your application. We love candidates who can think strategically and drive results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the PPE, safety, and workwear sectors. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key competitors, and market demands. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to drive category performance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed competitor activity or optimised product ranges. This will highlight your data-driven mindset, which is crucial for a Category Manager.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with suppliers or internal teams. Be ready to share specific examples that illustrate your stakeholder management skills. This will reassure them that you can effectively partner with various departments to achieve category goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Express your eagerness to learn and adapt within the role. Discuss any recent developments in the industry that have caught your attention and how they could impact the category. This shows you're not just technically minded but also genuinely interested in the field.
