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- Tasks: Drive growth and profitability for Lenovo's product categories while collaborating with teams.
- Company: Join Westcoast, a leading IT distributor known for its innovative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, wellbeing support, and a generous benefits package.
- Why this job: Immerse yourself in the IT industry and build lasting relationships with top brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in product or category management is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Access training opportunities and enjoy social events that foster community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
At Westcoast, we take pride in distributing some of the most renowned global IT brands to resellers, retailers, and organisations across the UK and beyond. As an innovative and inclusive company, we thrive on teamwork and the diverse talents of our people. We invite you to turn your passion into a rewarding career with us!
The Lenovo Value Category Manager will be responsible for driving growth and profitability across Lenovo’s “Value” product categories within the Lenovo Client Team. This includes Workstations, Visuals, Accessories, Services, and Tablets. The role sits within the Product Team and requires a strong blend of commercial acumen, product knowledge, and strategic execution to maximise Lenovo’s market share and revenue in these segments.
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities Will Include:
- Ownership of Value Categories: Act as the primary point of contact for Lenovo’s Workstations, Visuals, Accessories, Services, and Tablets product categories and follow a set of specific Lenovo KPI’s. Develop and execute category specific strategies to achieve revenue and margin targets.
- Business Development: Identify growth opportunities within existing and new reseller accounts. Work closely with Lenovo and internal sales teams to drive adoption and penetration of value categories. Maintain up to date knowledge of Lenovo’s product portfolio, pricing structures, and promotional programmes. Ensure competitive positioning of Lenovo products in the market.
- Enablement & Training: Deliver product training and enablement sessions for internal teams and channel partners. Support marketing initiatives to increase awareness and demand for Lenovo value products.
- Forecasting & Reporting: Monitor sales performance and provide accurate forecasting for value categories. Analyse market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions.
- Inventory Management: Ensure optimal inventory levels for Lenovo value categories (Workstations, Visuals, Accessories, Services, Tablets) to meet demand while minimising excess stock and obsolescence. Collaborate with Lenovo and internal supply chain teams to align inventory with sales forecasts, promotional activities, and seasonal trends. Implement strategies to reduce aged inventory and maximise sell through of EOL products.
To be successful in this role you will have some of the following skills and experience and the desire to develop in other areas:
- Proven experience in product management, category management, or similar roles within IT distribution or vendor (preferred)
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills
- Able to work well under pressure
- A strong and disciplined attitude to work
- Analytical mindset
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the IT industry, build lasting relationships, and grow with a Sunday Times Top Track 100 company.
Growth Opportunities: We offer training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential. Whether it’s funded apprenticeships, work‑based studies, or professional qualifications, we’ve got you covered.
Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, employee referral bonuses, perks and discounts. (Theale only – New fully equipped gym available 24/7).
Wellbeing Support: Access to Westcoast Wellbeing services including mental health counselling, virtual GP services, physiotherapy, life insurance, eye care schemes, and more.
Community & Connection: Our teams enjoy social and charitable events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
If you’re ready to join a company that values its people and rewards success, click apply to start the quick application process (5‑6 mins). Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to provide individual feedback for every candidate. If you don’t hear from us within 14 working days, we’ve moved forward with other applicants for this role, but we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us.
Vendor Category Manager in Reading employer: Westcoast Limited
Contact Detail:
Westcoast Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Category Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand Lenovo’s value categories and be ready to discuss how your skills can drive growth and profitability. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience in product or category management and how it relates to the role. A confident and concise introduction can set the tone for a great conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s quick and easy, and we love seeing applications come directly from motivated candidates like you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Category Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant product or category management experience, even if it’s not directly from IT distribution.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific Lenovo products or categories you’re excited about and how you can contribute to their growth.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires an analytical mindset, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to forecast and report effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westcoast Limited
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of Lenovo’s product categories, especially Workstations, Visuals, Accessories, Services, and Tablets. Familiarise yourself with their features, benefits, and how they compare to competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commercial acumen and strategic thinking during the discussion.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Think about specific examples where your analytical mindset helped optimise inventory or improve sales performance. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers and show that you can handle the forecasting and reporting aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
Since this role involves working closely with internal teams and external partners, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, and explain how these have contributed to successful business development initiatives.
✨Prepare Questions About Growth Opportunities
Show your enthusiasm for personal and professional development by preparing thoughtful questions about the training and growth opportunities available at Westcoast. This not only demonstrates your interest in the company but also aligns with their commitment to helping employees reach their full potential.