At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deliver category strategies while managing supplier relationships and analysing market trends.
- Company: Join Ideal Bathrooms, part of the Wolseley Group, a leading trade merchant in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, enhanced leave, and health benefits including a Cycle to Work scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth through our award-winning talent programme.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving growth and profitability in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a commercial role with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Is this the next step in your career? Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.
Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
So, who are we? We are Ideal Bathrooms, part of the Wolseley Group, a leading specialist trade merchant operating across the UK and Ireland. We put our people and customers at the heart of everything we do and are proud to offer opportunities to grow skills and build long-term careers through our award-winning Wolseley Talent Guild.
In addition to a competitive salary, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
- Annual leave that increases with length of service
- A generous pension scheme matched up to 9%
- Performance-related bonus
- Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
- Access to a great range of online and high street discounts
We also actively support health and wellbeing with free access to healthcare, our popular YuLife app, Cycle to Work scheme, and more.
As a Category Manager at Ideal Bathrooms, you'll be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering category strategies aligned to business and commercial objectives
- Managing supplier relationships, negotiations, and performance to drive growth and profitability
- Analysing market trends, customer insights, and competitor activity to inform decision-making
- Leading pricing, margin optimisation, and range development
- Collaborating closely with Buying, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Sales teams
- Driving new product introductions and category performance improvements
- Monitoring and reporting on category KPIs and financial performance
This is a full-time, permanent position, offering a hybrid working model with flexibility to balance office and remote working.
And here's what we'd like you to have:
- Proven experience in a Category Manager or similar commercial role
- Strong commercial acumen with excellent analytical skills
- Experience managing and negotiating with suppliers
- Confident stakeholder management and communication skills
- A proactive, data-driven approach with a passion for product and category development
We look forward to receiving your application!
Category Manager in Ashland employer: Wolseley
At Ideal Bathrooms, part of the Wolseley Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that prioritises our people and their development. Located in Milton Keynes, we offer a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and enhanced leave options, all within a supportive work culture that encourages growth through our award-winning Wolseley Talent Guild. With a hybrid working model and a focus on health and wellbeing, we provide a dynamic environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Ashland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 competitors. Understand their products and market position so you can showcase your knowledge and how you can contribute as a Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your analytical skills and commercial acumen, as these are key for a Category Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Ashland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing supplier relationships and driving category performance. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your analytical skills and commercial acumen!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s successful negotiations or category growth, we love to see numbers and results that back up your claims.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wolseley
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand current trends, key competitors, and customer preferences. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with suppliers or stakeholders. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to drive profitability, which is crucial for a Category Manager.
✨Be Data-Driven
Bring along some insights or analyses you've conducted in previous roles. Discuss how you used data to inform decisions and improve category performance. This aligns perfectly with the proactive, data-driven approach they’re looking for.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Think of examples where you successfully collaborated with different teams like Buying, Marketing, or Sales. Emphasise your communication skills and how you can bridge gaps between departments to drive new product introductions and improvements.