At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and manage product categories to maximise commercial potential.
- Company: Fast-paced entrepreneurial business in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and market trends.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping product success and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying, Merchandising, or Category Management required.
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.
- 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 Bury employer: Zachary Daniels
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial team in Greater Manchester as a Category Manager, where your commercial acumen will be valued and rewarded. With a focus on hybrid working, we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. You'll thrive in an environment that encourages proactive thinking and challenges the status quo, all while driving performance and maximising category potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Bury
✨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 that’s not even advertised yet.
✨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 from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in Buying or Merchandising and how it relates to maximising category performance. Make sure you can articulate your commercial acumen and analytical skills clearly.
✨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 engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in buying, merchandising, or category management, and showcase how you've driven sales performance in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our fast-paced environment!
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 aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've maximised opportunities and driven performance in your past positions.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:As a Category Manager, you'll need to make data-driven decisions. In your application, highlight your analytical capabilities and any experience you have with Excel or reporting tools. We love seeing candidates who can turn data into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand the current market trends, key competitors, and customer preferences. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your proactive approach to category management.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed sales and stock data to identify opportunities or mitigate risks. This will demonstrate your strong analytical capability and commercial acumen.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would react to changing market conditions or customer demands. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully adapted your strategies. This will highlight your ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves working closely with suppliers and stakeholders, be ready to discuss your negotiation tactics and how you've built successful partnerships. Share stories that illustrate your stakeholder management skills and how they contributed to category growth.
