At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy, manage supplier relationships, and drive commercial performance.
- Company: Join a successful, family-owned multinational business with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical, pension, life assurance, and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of category management and make a real impact on retail success.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, strong analytical skills, and excellent negotiation abilities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: GBP50000 - GBP60000 per annum + Benefits package
Are you an experienced Category Manager, Buyer or Commercial professional looking for a role where you can take genuine ownership of category strategy, supplier relationships and commercial performance? This is an exciting opportunity to join a large, successful, family-owned multinational business and play a key role in shaping the retail proposition for customers and retailers across the UK.
The opportunity:
- Take end-to-end responsibility for developing and delivering category plans that maximise sales, margin and profitability.
- Work closely with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to shape range, pricing, promotions and category strategy.
- Identify new opportunities to strengthen the customer proposition and deliver commercial growth.
- Mentor and develop Category Assistants.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering category strategies and plans.
- Owning ranging, pricing and promotional activity.
- Maximising sales, margin, retail POR and cash profit.
- Building strong supplier relationships and Joint Business Plans.
- Negotiating supplier funding for marketing, media and promotional initiatives.
- Analysing category, market and promotional performance to identify opportunities.
- Managing range development and identifying gaps in the product proposition.
- Developing the right balance of branded and own-brand products.
- Planning seasonal promotions and key commercial initiatives.
- Maximising product availability across your categories.
- Working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
- Driving continuous improvement and delivering commercially successful outcomes.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience developing and delivering category strategies and promotional plans.
- Strong commercial judgement and analytical skills.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing ability.
- Tenacity, confidence and determination to achieve commercial results.
- Strong supplier and stakeholder relationship-building skills.
- Experience analysing market, category and performance data.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- A genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
This is an opportunity to step into a role with real commercial ownership and influence. You’ll work directly with suppliers and internal teams to shape category strategy, improve performance and deliver value for retailers and customers. You’ll join an established and growing international organisation with a strong family-owned heritage, a diverse portfolio of businesses and operations across the UK and internationally. It’s an environment where commercial thinking is valued, ideas can make a difference and your contribution is visible. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your career and broaden your experience within a substantial and diverse organisation.
The package includes:
- 30 days’ total holiday including bank holidays.
- Private Medical.
- Pension.
- Life Assurance.
- Onsite parking.
Category Manager employer: White Recruitment
Join a pioneering renewable energy company in Appleby-in-Westmorland, where your leadership as Operations Director will directly contribute to the UK's low-carbon heating transition. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture of continuous improvement, you will enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and significant influence over business strategy. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing sector dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Category Manager at White Recruitment!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like White Recruitment or be willing to refer you for that Category Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from White Recruitment who’s on the lookout for their next Category Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Category Manager role at White Recruitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at White Recruitment. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Recruitment
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at White Recruitment. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
