Category Manager in York

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

As Category Manager, you'll take end-to-end responsibility for developing and delivering category plans that maximise sales, margin and profitability. You'll work closely with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to shape range, pricing, promotions and category strategy, while identifying new opportunities to strengthen the customer proposition and deliver commercial growth. You'll also mentor and develop Category Assistants, giving you the opportunity to share your expertise, develop others and build your leadership capability.

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
• Mentoring and developing Category Assistants
• Driving continuous improvement and delivering commercially successful outcomes

What you'll bring

We're looking for a commercially driven professional with significant experience in FMCG wholesale or retail, ideally within buying, sales or category management. 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

Why join?

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

£50,000-£60,000 salary Plus: 30 days' total holiday including bank holidays, Private Medical, Pension, Life Assurance, Onsite parking.