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, strong benefits, and hybrid working after probation.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a growing international business.
- Why this job: Gain genuine ownership and visibility while driving category growth in a dynamic environment.
- 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 Maidstone 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 those who thrive on commercial thinking and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Maidstone
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like W Talent.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to W Talent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to W Talent. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like W Talent.
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at W Talent!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at W Talent. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into W Talent's culture.
