At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth by managing and optimising product portfolios in the welding sector.
- Company: Join Weldfast UK, a leading innovator in the welding industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and continuous training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey and shape the future of the welding business.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or procurement, with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Weldfast UK Limited is a leading provider in the welding industry, delivering high-quality products and services that support professionals and businesses across the country.
We are committed to innovation, excellence, and becoming the go-to business in the welding sector.
The business is backed by investors and supported by a strengthened leadership team and currently going through a period of transformation.
New senior hires are joining, systems and infrastructure are being upgraded, and the business is moving from a traditional founder led model to a more modern and scalable operation.
This is a genuine opportunity to join at a pivotal moment and help shape the next stage of the business.
Role Purpose
The Category Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and optimising a defined product portfolio to drive sales growth and profitability.
Using market intelligence, customer insight, and industry knowledge, the role ensures the company offers a competitive, relevant, and high-performing product range that meets the needs of customers within the welding and fabrication sector.
Working cross-functionally and in close partnership with suppliers, the Category Manager will maximise commercial opportunities, secure competitive procurement terms, and grow supplier-related income streams.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Strategy & Portfolio Management
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to overall business objectives.
- Manage the full product lifecycle, including range reviews, new product introduction, rationalisation, and discontinuation.
- Ensure the product range remains competitive, innovative, and relevant to customer needs in the welding and industrial sectors.
- Monitor category performance (sales, margin, stock turns) and take corrective actions where required.
- Use market intelligence, industry trends, and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities.
- Analyse competitor activity to ensure strong market positioning.
- Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements and demand patterns.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Lead commercial negotiations to secure the most competitive pricing, rebates, and trading terms.
- Identify and deliver opportunities to increase supplier income (e. g., marketing support, promotions, exclusivity agreements).
- Partner with suppliers to develop joint business plans and growth initiatives.
- Identify the best suppliers for our products and services.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with sales, marketing, procurement, and operations teams to deliver category plans.
- Support the sales team with product knowledge, pricing strategies, and promotional activity.
- Collaborate with marketing on campaigns, product launches, and supplier-funded initiatives.
- Develop and maintain pricing strategies in line with targets to ensure competitiveness while protecting margin.
- Monitor cost price movements and adjust pricing where necessary.
- Drive margin improvement through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Stock & Supply Chain Optimisation
- Work with supply chain teams to improve forecasting, with awareness of stock levels and availability.
- Support the introduction of new suppliers and products into the supply chain.
- Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in category management, product management, or procurement (ideally within industrial, engineering, or welding sectors).
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales and margin growth.
- Excellent negotiation that has increased bottom line profit and supplier management skills.
- Ability to analyse data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- A good understanding of market dynamics and customer needs.
- Effective cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Excel and data analysis capability (experience with ERP systems desirable).
- Key Behaviours
- Commercially driven and results-oriented within a high paced selling environment
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability
- Proactive and opportunity-focused
- Collaborative, a strong communicator and relationship builder
- Customer-centric mindset
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Success Measures
- Sales growth within assigned categories
- Margin and profitability improvement
- Range competitiveness and availability
- Successful delivery of category strategy initiatives
Why Join Weldfast UK?
- A dynamic role within a supportive, ever-changing working environment
- Continuous training and development
- Government enrolled Pension Plan
- Competitive salary with annual review
- One paid volunteering day per year
- 20 days holiday (plus public holidays and Christmas shutdown)
- Additional holiday with length of service
- Hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 remote)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Weldfast UK
Weldfast UK is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities while working in the vibrant East England region, known for its supportive business environment and rich community connections. Join us to make a meaningful impact as you drive strategic growth and enjoy the benefits of being part of a forward-thinking team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Weldfast UK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Weldfast UK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Weldfast UK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Weldfast UK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Weldfast UK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
