At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management, drive sales, and build supplier partnerships.
- Company: Wickes, a collaborative multi-channel retailer in home improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive bonus, private medical, pension scheme, and well-being support.
- Other info: Flexible work options and commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management, strong communication, and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you looking for your next step in Category Management? We’re looking for a Category Manager to join our Commercial team.
You’ll be responsible for the end-to-end management of one of our categories, including sourcing the right range of products, pricing, promotion and ensuring supplier relationships to improve sales and profitability.
We need someone with extensive experience in understanding consumer needs, a commercial mindset, knowledge of marketing and sales principles, and strong communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Product Strategy
- Set a clear, customer-focused category strategy to deliver growth in sales and profit.
- Develop and build a category plan that drives market share growth based on internal and external insights.
- Deliver the plan and numbers through trading management.
- Drive sales and profit with an activity plan that includes promotion, advertising and PR in line with marketing, direct channels and operations.
- Manage SKU level cost and retail price in line with pricing and promotional strategy.
- Deliver or exceed budgeted sales and margin while maintaining or growing market share.
- Supply & Sourcing
- Build profitable supplier partnerships to strengthen market position.
- Develop a sourcing strategy that ensures quality products meet customer needs through efficient routes to market.
- Develop high-performing business partnerships with key suppliers to maximise opportunity.
- Manage the supplier base to ensure they meet all requirements using KRA and 100 % availability.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Develop and lead direct reports for individual growth and potential maximization.
- Engage the team with category plans and champion the category across the business.
Qualifications
- Experience in category management or buying, having executed a category strategy.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Motivation to achieve targets and deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail, planning and organisational skills.
- Strong project management skills.
- Experience managing a team.
What We Offer
- Competitive bonus
- Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme
- Private medical and life assurance
- Contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform with savings and cash‑back at various retailers, gym membership savings, cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Well‑being benefits including an employee assistance programme, financial education & loans, parental, menopause and fertility support.
You’ll work from our Support Centre in Watford and will have the flexibility to blend remote and office work.
Wickes is a multi‑channel retailer operating in the home improvement market with a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from disabled people.
We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone.
If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know.
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Commercial Category Manager in Watford employer: Wickes
Wickes is an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in the Kitchen and Bath Design sector, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer satisfaction and creativity. With competitive salaries, commission structures, and comprehensive training programmes, employees are empowered to grow their skills and advance their careers while enjoying a supportive team environment. Located in a dynamic retail setting, Wickes provides unique opportunities to engage with customers and make a meaningful impact on their home improvement journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Category Manager in Watford
✨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 Commercial Category Manager at Wickes!
✨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 Wickes or be willing to refer you for that Commercial 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 Wickes who’s on the lookout for their next Commercial 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 Commercial Category Manager role at Wickes!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Category Manager in Watford
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 Wickes. 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 Wickes
✨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 Wickes. 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!
