• Job Title: Category Manager
• Location:  Watford, Herts (Office Based)
• Salary:  £50,000 - £60,000 per annum
• Contract:  Permanent, Full-time / Monday – Friday, 36.25 hours per week / 08:15am – 4:15pm or 9am – 5:15pm

Our client:

Is one of the leading players in their specialised industry which operates in excess of 250 petrol stations across England and Wales.

Role Overview:

This position is responsible for driving category sales for each allocated category including range selection, promotions, pricing, marketing and new product development. To interpret trends through data and turning these into key strategies for the category business plan. You will be responsible for managing the goods supply chain for the assigned categories and to negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best cost price, maximum over-riders, promotional rebates, listings and marketing fees. You will work closely with the business through regular site visits to ensure category initiatives are implemented according to the shops distribution instructions across the network and work closely with the Operations team to rectify any issues.  You’ll be responsible for building and maintain strong relationships with clients branded partners, suppliers and internal departments to ensure contract delivery is achieved at all times and the company values are never compromised.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for the profitability and growth of product ranges

To produce planograms in conjunction with space planners and suppliers

To recommend, produce and manage shop promotions (along with the relevant point of sale). Income from these promotions and analysis will be vital

Set pricing levels/bands for all allocated products

Initiate and develop new products/ideas

Responsible for providing database with all necessary information to keep the back office systems completely accurate

Category performance tracking through full analysis of their product areas and benching marking with competitors

Build a thorough knowledge of their product areas through supplier interface and research

Create and develop marketing initiatives for their products

Supply chain management ensuring availability levels are maintained

Be fully up to date with latest developments and initiatives in the category with competitors and related industries

Implement and maintain appropriate data files, monthly competitor price file and shops visits and ensure that this information is readily available for use by the Category Management team and Operations teams

To complete Mystery Motorist visits

Maximise our store sales and margins through effective category management, negotiation with suppliers and continual innovation and adaption of the shop offer

Develop and promote our clients  Retail Marketing Strategy in line with the Retail Business Strategy to support improvements in the Retail Profit Performance whilst supporting the Group’s corporate image

To contribute, as part of the Retail Management team, to the development of the overall Retail

Key Accountabilities:

To ensure sustainable profit performance for the business through increased category sales and their associated gross margins and maximising the override payments from the Shop Suppliers

To ensure that a fully functioning supply chain is in place at all times

To protect the company brand and partnership brands through delivery of the agreed shop contracts.

To provide information, data and action plans in a timely manner whilst ensuring they are accurate and the contents is treated in a confidentially and sensitive manner.

Person Specification:

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills

Previous experience in retail category, product management of supply chain

Data-driven decision-maker with excellent analytical skills

Confident communicator with experience working cross-functionally

Strong relationship management with suppliers and internal stakeholders

Proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel – experience with spreadsheets, pivot tables  

Well organised and confident working in a fast paced environment

Can cope well under pressure

Experienced working with suppliers.

Benefits:

Smart/Casual dress

Contributory Pension

Car Park Permit

25 days holiday+ bank holidays

Simply health & Life Insurance

Thank you for your interest in this vacancy, which is being advertised by TalentHQ Ltd, acting as an Employment Agency. Your application will be considered alongside others, and we will contact you within 5 working days if you are shortlisted. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to each applicant individually. By applying for this role, you accept our Privacy Policy which you can find on our website.