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- 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 an exciting retail environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Category Manager or Buyer, strong commercial skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work cross-functionally and drive data-led decisions.
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 Watford employer: Zachary Daniels
Contact Detail:
Zachary Daniels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Watford
✨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 Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss trends in cosmetics and fragrance confidently. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to lead supplier negotiations. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those discussions before the real deal.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Watford
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 your commercial skills. We want to see how you’ve driven sales and managed supplier relationships!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Share specific examples of your achievements in category management and how you’ve used data to make decisions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires a data-driven approach, don’t forget to mention your analytical capabilities. Give us examples of how you've used data to identify trends or improve performance in your previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
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 keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership of the category strategy.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since supplier negotiations are a key part of the role, think about past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you can apply it in this new position. Practising these scenarios can give you the confidence to impress during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
As a Category Manager, being data-driven is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive sales or improve stock performance in previous roles. Bring along any relevant metrics or case studies that highlight your analytical capabilities and decision-making process.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with merchandising, supply chain, or marketing. Highlighting your ability to work cross-functionally will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment and contribute to the overall success of the business.
