Category Manager

Title: Category Manager

Location: Stoke

Salary: up to £60,000

Elevation Recruitment Group's Procurement & Supply Chain division are thrilled to be partnering exclusively with an international retailer in Stoke. Due to strategic acquisitions and a period of sustained growth, the business are looking to recruit a Category Manager.

The Category Manager will work alongside the Head of Buying in a varied role involving pricing, ranging, strategy development, promotion planning and supplier management, while also mentoring and supporting a team of Junior Buyers responsible for operational spend.

Key duties of the role will include:

• Assess data, compare vendor proposals, and make data-driven purchasing decisions that align with company objectives.
• Ensure activities and decisions align with achieving the budget for sales, margin, and cash profit.
• Maximise product availability across categories using sound commercial reasoning and influence.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and execute joint Business Plans.
• Effectively manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Develop and implement a Category strategy to meet financial targets and ensure effective range management, pricing, and promotional planning.

Key Skills & Experience required:

• Extensive experience in the FMCG, Wholesale or Retail sector.
• Demonstrated ability to show tenacity, determination, and assertiveness for commercially successful outcomes, including conflict management.
• Skilled in building strong internal and external relationships using effective influencing techniques.
• Strong negotiation abilities with a track record of success.
• Proficient in creating and executing Category Strategies, promotional plans, and analysing performance and market data.