At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and manage product categories in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic entrepreneurial business in Greater Manchester with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of circa £45,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities to innovate and challenge the status quo.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by maximising product potential and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying, Merchandising, or Category Management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 47500 £ per year.
We are partnering with a highly fast-paced, entrepreneurial business to appoint a commercially driven Category Manager. This is a high-impact role for someone who is a trader at heart. Whilst inventory management, intake and product launches form part of the role, this is not simply about managing stock. It's about maximising every opportunity across all categories, driving sales performance and ensuring products are delivering their full commercial potential.
You'll take ownership of your categories from supplier engagement and product selection through to launch, stock management and in-season trading. Success in this role comes from being proactive, commercially curious and relentlessly focused on driving performance. We're looking for someone from a Buying, Merchandising or Category Management background who understands how product, stock, pricing and customer demand work together to generate results. Someone who constantly has their finger on the pulse, challenges the status quo and leaves no stone unturned when identifying opportunities for growth!
Key Responsibilities:
- Take full ownership of category performance, driving sales, margin and stock efficiency.
- Monitor daily and weekly trading performance, identifying opportunities and risks quickly.
- Use sales, stock and market data to make informed commercial decisions.
- Proactively identify opportunities to maximise sales from existing stock positions.
- React quickly to changing customer demand and market trends.
- Develop and execute trading strategies that optimise category performance throughout the season.
- Ensure all commercial decisions are aligned to profitability and business objectives.
- Manage the full product lifecycle from initial supplier engagement through to launch and in-season performance.
- Build commercially balanced ranges aligned to customer demand, market trends and business goals.
- Define product briefs including target pricing, margin expectations and product positioning.
- Collaborate with brands and suppliers to curate compelling product assortments.
- Ensure products are launched on time, within budget and in line with commercial expectations.
- Continuously review category performance to identify opportunities for range improvement and expansion.
- Work closely with suppliers and partners to maximise product opportunities.
- Identify new sourcing opportunities and alternative supply solutions where appropriate.
- Ensure supplier performance supports category growth, availability and profitability.
- Make data-led recommendations that improve category performance.
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing and market developments.
- Produce regular trading analysis and performance reviews.
- Support forecasting and stock planning activities to ensure optimum availability and stock health.
Skills & Experience:
- Experience within Buying, Merchandising, Category Management or a similar commercial role.
- Strong understanding of category trading and commercial performance management.
- Proven ability to analyse sales and stock data and translate insights into action.
- Experience managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of pricing, margins and profitability.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced analytical capability with strong Excel and reporting skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working with branded products and supplier partnerships.
- Experience within retail, wholesale, consumer goods or product-led businesses.
- Exposure to international sourcing and supplier management.
Category Manager in Ramsbottom employer: Zachary Daniels Recruitment
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial team in Greater Manchester as a Category Manager, where your commercial acumen will be valued and rewarded. With a hybrid working model, you will enjoy a flexible work-life balance while being part of a culture that encourages innovation and proactive decision-making. The company offers robust opportunities for professional growth, ensuring you can maximise your potential in a fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and performance-driven results.
Contact Details:
Zachary Daniels Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Ramsbottom
✨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 a Category Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their brand and how you can drive sales performance in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in Buying, Merchandising, or Category Management. Highlight specific examples where you’ve maximised sales or improved stock efficiency – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Ramsbottom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Categories:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for category management shine through! We want to see how you can take ownership of categories and drive performance. Share specific examples of how you've maximised sales or improved stock efficiency in the past.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role is all about making informed commercial decisions, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Talk about how you've used data to identify opportunities or risks in previous roles. We love candidates who can back up their claims with solid numbers!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Take the time to tailor your application to our job description. Mention your experience in buying, merchandising, or category management, and how it aligns with what we’re looking for. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your sales and stock analysis skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive performance and make informed decisions.
✨Show Your Commercial Acumen
This role is all about maximising opportunities and driving sales. Prepare examples of how you've identified growth opportunities in previous positions. Highlight your understanding of pricing strategies and how they impact profitability.
✨Be Proactive and Curious
Demonstrate your proactive nature by discussing how you stay ahead of market trends and customer demands. Share specific instances where your curiosity led to successful product launches or improved category performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills are key for this role. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with suppliers or internal teams to achieve commercial goals. Show that you can build relationships that drive results.
