Senior Category Manager in Ipswich

Senior Category Manager in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time 50000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Zachary Daniels

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own and deliver category strategies for beauty and fragrance products.
  • Company: Global leader in air services with a focus on onboard retail.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working model, exposure to international markets, and real ownership from day one.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment where your ideas truly matter.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on inflight shopping experiences and drive innovation.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years' buying experience in beauty and strong commercial mindset.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.

Ready to take your buying career to new heights? Our client is a global leader in air services, playing a pivotal role in shaping the onboard retail experience for a leading international airline. This is your opportunity to own high-profile categories, influence strategy across multiple markets, and deliver a premium product range that reaches customers at 30,000 feet.

Why this role? This isn't just another buying role. As a Senior Category Manager, you'll take full ownership of the fragrance, cosmetics, and beauty categories across the UK, EU, and Switzerland - driving innovation, profitability, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced, international environment. From sourcing standout products to negotiating high-impact commercial deals, you'll be at the heart of a retail operation that blends data, creativity, and global reach.

What you'll be doing:

  • Own and deliver category strategies that maximise sales and profitability
  • Curate compelling product ranges for onboard and pre-order retail
  • Build and manage strong supplier partnerships across global markets
  • Lead commercial negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing and terms
  • Use data, trends, and insights to optimise performance and drive growth
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, merchandising, and operations
  • Ensure seamless product launches and availability across all channels

What makes you a great fit:

  • 5+ years' buying experience in the beauty sector or similar
  • A strong commercial mindset with a passion for product and performance
  • Confident negotiator with a track record of delivering results
  • Analytical thinker who thrives on data-driven decision making
  • Skilled at managing multiple stakeholders in a dynamic environment
  • A natural collaborator who can influence and inspire

What you'll gain:

  • A hybrid working model with flexibility built in
  • Exposure to international markets and global suppliers
  • The chance to shape a high-visibility retail offering
  • A fast-paced, innovative environment where your ideas matter
  • Real ownership and impact from day one

Ready for take-off? If you're commercially savvy, trend-driven, and ready to make your mark in travel retail, this is your moment. Apply now and help redefine the inflight shopping experience.

Senior Category Manager in Ipswich employer: Zachary Daniels

Join a dynamic and innovative team at a global leader in air services, where as a Senior Category Manager, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to influence high-profile product categories across international markets, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that values your insights and creativity. Experience the excitement of shaping the onboard retail experience while enjoying the benefits of working in a fast-paced, rewarding atmosphere in Luton.

Zachary Daniels

Contact Details:

Zachary Daniels Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Ipswich

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Category Manager role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience in beauty and fragrance can drive their onboard retail strategy. Show them you mean business!

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Category Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to secure the best deals. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with those high-stakes conversations.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make an impact in travel retail.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager in Ipswich

Category Management
Buying Experience
Commercial Negotiation
Data-Driven Decision Making
Supplier Relationship Management
Product Range Curation
Analytical Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your buying experience in the beauty sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial mindset and negotiation skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the beauty and fragrance categories, and how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Don’t forget to mention your analytical skills and ability to drive growth!

Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves data-driven decision making, be sure to include examples of how you've used data and insights to optimise performance in previous roles. This will show us that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.

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 get you on board to help redefine the inflight shopping experience!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels

Know Your Categories Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the beauty and fragrance categories. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and innovative products. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your analytical skills when discussing how to optimise performance.

Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Since negotiation is a big part of this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated deals. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.

Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset

Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Whether it’s sales figures or market analysis, being able to talk about specific metrics and how they influenced your strategies will impress the interviewers and highlight your analytical thinking.

Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires working with various teams, so be prepared to share stories about how you've collaborated with marketing, merchandising, or operations in the past. Highlighting your ability to influence and inspire others will show that you're a natural collaborator, which is key for this position.