At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team to shape category strategy and drive commercial growth.
- Company: Join a successful, family-owned multinational business with a diverse portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical cover, pension, life assurance, and 30 days' holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and to build high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced trading environment with senior-level exposure.
- Qualifications: Experience in food retail or FMCG, strong leadership and negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Category Controller, Trading Manager or Senior Commercial professional ready to take ownership of a high-impact category function? Join a large, successful, family-owned multinational business where you'll have the opportunity to shape category strategy, build powerful supplier partnerships and deliver meaningful commercial growth.
The opportunity
- You'll lead and develop a talented team of Category Managers and Category Assistants, taking ownership of trading performance, profitability and category strategy.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders, Finance and suppliers, you'll identify opportunities to improve performance, maximise margin and create a genuine competitive advantage.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Owning P&L performance, budgets and commercial targets
- Developing customer-focused category and sales strategies
- Building and leveraging strong supplier relationships
- Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing trading team
- Driving margin, profitability and operational efficiency
- Using data, customer insight and NPS to shape decisions
- Overseeing supply chain performance, wastage, compliance and food safety
- Working with Finance to turn commercial insight into action
- Delivering strategic change and continuous improvement
What you’ll bring
We're looking for a commercially astute leader with significant experience in food retail, FMCG, buying or trading. You'll have a strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders, negotiating commercially, interpreting data and delivering business improvement. You’ll also bring:
- Proven leadership experience within a complex trading environment
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills
- Excellent understanding of merchandising, profitability and supply chain
- Strategic thinking and a genuine appetite for driving change
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A passion for developing people and building high-performing teams
Why join?
This is an opportunity to join a well-established, growing international organisation with a diverse portfolio of businesses and a significant presence across the UK and internationally. You'll enjoy real commercial ownership, senior-level exposure, career development opportunities and the chance to make a visible difference in a fast-moving trading environment.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Pension
- Private medical cover
- Life assurance
- 22 days' annual leave with the option to purchase additional days
- Onsite parking
Category Controller employer: WR Logistics
WR Logistics is an exceptional employer located in Bradford, offering a dynamic work environment where career development is prioritised. With a competitive salary and a supportive team culture, employees benefit from a Monday to Friday working pattern and ample training opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow within the freight forwarding industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller
✨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 Controller at WR Logistics!
✨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 WR Logistics or be willing to refer you for that Category Controller 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 WR Logistics who’s on the lookout for their next Category Controller 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 Controller role at WR Logistics!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller
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 WR Logistics. 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 WR Logistics
✨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 WR Logistics. 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!
