At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and manage product categories, negotiate with suppliers, and drive commercial performance.
- Company: Join Zapp, London's leading premium convenience retail platform, disrupting the market since 2020.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values creativity and agility in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Why this job: Step into a role with real ownership and impact in a fast-paced, innovative company.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or category management, strong negotiation skills, and data-driven decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Nine Elms, London, Full-time
About Zapp
Zapp is London's leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world's leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand-picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
About the Role
This role sits at the sharp end of Zapp's commercial operation. As Senior Manager, Founder's Office (Category Management), you will own a significant portion of the range, the supplier relationships that underpin it and the commercial performance it delivers. You will operate with the autonomy of a category lead and the access of someone embedded in the Founder's Office: close to the strategy, visible to leadership and expected to drive outcomes without being directed.
This is the role for someone who has outgrown a junior buying or category position and is ready to step into genuine ownership, or who has come from a high-performance commercial environment and wants to apply that edge in a business where the pace is faster and the impact is more immediate. You will manage your own categories end-to-end, lead supplier negotiations, contribute to range strategy and work closely with the Director to raise the commercial bar across the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Ownership
- Own a defined category portfolio end-to-end: ranging decisions, supplier negotiations, promotional planning and commercial performance.
- Build and maintain a range that is curated, competitive and margin-optimised, making clear calls on ranging based on data and commercial judgement.
- Lead range reviews for your categories with rigour: using performance data, customer insight and competitor benchmarking to drive continuous improvement.
- Identify NPD opportunities and new supplier partnerships, taking them from identification through to ranging and launch independently.
- Supplier Relationships and Negotiation
- Own the supplier relationships across your category portfolio, acting as the primary commercial contact for day-to-day trading and negotiations.
- Lead trading term negotiations for your categories: driving improvements on cost, promotional investment, exclusivity.
Senior Manager, Founder's Office (Category Management) in London employer: Zapp
Zapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Nine Elms, London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, Zapp provides opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a tangible impact in the fast-paced convenience retail sector. The company's commitment to a customer-centric approach and its partnerships with leading brands create a unique workplace culture that values creativity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Founder's Office (Category Management) in London
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Zapp and its competitors. Understand their products and market position so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven commercial performance or improved supplier relationships in your previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Zapp team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Founder's Office (Category Management) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and supplier negotiations, as these are key for us at Zapp. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about convenience retail and how your background aligns with our vision at Zapp. Be sure to mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to drive outcomes independently.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data-driven decision-making is crucial for this role, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Share examples of how you've used data to inform your category strategies or improve commercial performance in previous roles.
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 shows us you’re keen on joining the Zapp team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zapp
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand the current trends, key players, and what makes a product successful in that space. This will not only show your passion but also your readiness to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past supplier negotiations where you achieved significant results. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you can apply those skills at Zapp. They want to see that you can drive improvements and build strong relationships.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with data analysis tools and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Zapp values a commercial mindset, so demonstrating your ability to leverage data for category management will set you apart.
✨Align with Zapp's Vision
Understand Zapp's mission to disrupt the convenience retail market. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their innovative approach. Showing that you resonate with their vision will make a strong impression.
