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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying and category strategy for cosmetics, fragrance, and travel essentials.
- Company: Fast-paced, international travel retailer with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Salary up to £50,000, bonus scheme, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape and influence category performance in a unique retail environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Manager or Buyer in retail or FMCG.
- Other info: Opportunity to work cross-functionally and drive commercial results.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Zachary Daniels is partnering with a fast-paced, international travel retailer to recruit a Category Manager to lead buying and category strategy across cosmetics, fragrance and travel essentials. This role offers hybrid working and the opportunity to operate in a dynamic, commercially driven travel retail environment.
The Role
As Category Manager, you'll take full ownership of your categories, driving range strategy, supplier performance, and commercial results across a travel retail estate. Key responsibilities include:
- Owning end-to-end category strategy across cosmetics, fragrance and travel essentials
- Building and managing compelling ranges tailored to the travel consumer
- Leading supplier negotiations, joint business planning and trading terms
- Driving sales, margin, and stock performance through data-led decisions
- Working cross-functionally with merchandising, supply chain, marketing and operations
- Identifying trends, gaps and new opportunities within the travel retail space
- Managing promotional activity and new product launches
About You
We're looking for a commercially strong Category Manager or Buyer who thrives in a fast-moving retail environment. You'll bring:
- Proven experience as a Category Manager or Buyer within retail or FMCG
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills
- Experience managing branded categories, with beauty or FMCG experience highly desirable
- A data-driven approach with strong analytical capability
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external suppliers
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £50,000
- Bonus scheme
- Hybrid working
- Exposure to a dynamic, international travel retail business
- Real opportunity to shape and influence category performance
If you're a commercially minded Category Manager looking to step into a unique and exciting retail environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Category Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Zachary Daniels
Contact Detail:
Zachary Daniels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the travel retail industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Show us you know your stuff about cosmetics, fragrance, and travel essentials – it’ll impress the hiring managers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to strike deals. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨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 take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in managing categories, especially in cosmetics or FMCG, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Mention specific examples of how you've driven category strategy and supplier negotiations in the past.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role requires a data-driven approach, don’t forget to mention your analytical skills. Provide examples of how you've used data to make decisions that improved sales or stock performance in your previous roles.
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 one step closer to joining our dynamic 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 latest trends in cosmetics, fragrance, and travel essentials. This will not only show your passion but also help you discuss how you can drive category strategy effectively.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since supplier negotiations are key, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you achieved positive outcomes, as this will demonstrate your strong commercial skills.
✨Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how your data-led approach has driven sales or improved stock performance in your categories.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with different teams like merchandising, marketing, and supply chain. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated across functions to launch products or manage promotional activities, showcasing your ability to work in a dynamic environment.
