Category Manager

(REPORTING INTO CATEGORY CONTROLLER)

LOCATION: WINNERSH (RG41)

This is a great opportunity for a Category Manager, who is interested in the Retail Industry, to work for the Head Office of a well-known UK Retail organisation.

As the Category Manager, you will be managing all aspects of the category’s commercial activity including sales reporting, range reviews, promotional plans, retail and trade selling process cost prices, supplier management, own brand development plans and product file maintenance.

THE ROLE AS CATEGORY MANAGER (BUYER) WILL INVOLVE:

– Deliver company sales and profit targets for area of responsibility.
– Maintain the designated product ranges to company service level targets.
– Maintain the Price files for all products and ensure pricing is regularly reviewed in line with pricing strategy.
– Continually analyse current ranges to ensure ranging and promotional decisions are effectively driving sales, profit, margin and meeting customers’ needs.
– Identify growth trends and exploit new purchasing opportunities within Category.
– Brief new design concepts to Marketing department.
– Work with the Own Brand development team to develop appropriate / effective own brand products.
– Marketing/promotional strategy (liaising with Marketing & Merchandising Co-coordinator
– Provide promotion guides to brands.
– Work with suppliers to review, plan and implement range/product reviews.
– Manage discontinued stock through the business effectively negotiating funding to support as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE:
Buying experience (preferably working within a FMCG / fast paced retailer), with knowledge and experience of:

– Sourcing ranges
– Supplier negotiation
– Supplier relationship management
– Minimum of 2 years buying experience at Category Manager level

The ideal Category Manager will have experience in Retail Buying and ideally qualified in CIPS- Chartered Institute Purchasing and Supplying. If you feel you match the requirement above, and looking to work within a fun and well-established environment within retail where you are able to share ideas and work well within a team, do get in touch for more information.