Category Manager

Category Manager – FMCG
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Category Manager to take ownership of a product category and drive its performance across ranging, pricing, supplier management, promotional planning and category strategy.
You will be responsible for developing and implementing category plans that support sales, margin and profitability targets, while working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to maximise commercial opportunities.
The role will also involve mentoring and developing Category Assistants, providing guidance and oversight to ensure all category-related activities are completed accurately, efficiently and within agreed timescales.
Category Manager – FMCG Key Responsibilities
* Take ownership of the category budget, ensuring activities and decisions support the achievement of sales, margin and profitability targets.
* Use strong commercial judgement and influencing skills to maximise product availability and category performance.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, including the creation and delivery of Joint Business Plans and Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support category objectives.
* Develop and implement comprehensive Category Strategies and Category Plans, ensuring commercial and financial targets are achieved.
* Negotiate supplier income and funding to support marketing, promotional activity, media and specific commercial initiatives.
* Manage the ranging and pricing of products in line with company pricing policies, customer expectations and overall business strategy.
* Plan and communicate requirements for seasonal promotions, key trading events and wider commercial initiatives across the supplier base and relevant internal teams.
* Lead range management and development, identifying gaps and opportunities, reviewing existing ranges and ensuring a compelling price and product proposition.
* Develop and manage the Own Brand strategy, ensuring the category maintains the right balance between branded and own-brand products.
* Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to improve sales, margin, availability and overall profitability.
* Ensure all category administration is completed accurately, efficiently and within required deadlines.
* Analyse promotional performance and category forecasts, using data and insight to inform future ranging, pricing and promotional decisions.
* Mentor and support Category Assistants, helping to develop their commercial knowledge, capability and understanding of category management processes and Continuously review category performance and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
Category Manager – FMCG About You
The successful candidate will ideally have:
* Significant experience within FMCG Wholesale or Retail, ideally within Buying, Category Management or a related commercial function.
* Strong commercial awareness with the ability to make informed decisions based on market, customer and financial data.
* A confident, tenacious and assertive approach, with the ability to challenge constructively and drive commercially successful outcomes.
* Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
* Strong negotiation skills and experience of securing commercially beneficial agreements.
* Proven experience in developing and delivering Category Strategies, range plans and promotional plans.
* Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret performance, market and promotional data.
* Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and resolving challenges.
* A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering measurable commercial results.
* The ability to manage multiple priorities effectively within a fast-paced trading environment.
* Experience of coaching, mentoring or supporting junior members of a commercial/category team would be advantageous.
Category Manager – FMCG Benefits
Competitive salary up to £60K, Company pension scheme, 22 days' annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days, Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, On-site parking
Equal Opportunities
We understand that no applicant will necessarily tick every box. If you meet many of the requirements above and believe you have the commercial capability and experience to succeed in the role, we would still encourage you to apply.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.
If this opportunity sounds like the right next step for you, please get in touch to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you.
PLEASE NOTE candidates must have full RTW to work in the UK without sponsorship or PSW requirements at any point