Category Manager

Category Manager – Poole – Upto £45k DOE

Our client is a fast-paced, global solutions provider famous for their fantastic customer service and end-to-end solutions - they help customers stay ahead in an ever-changing world.

Due to their continued growth, they are looking for a Category Manager to join their forward-thinking team and help shape the future of their supplier partnerships, own-brand growth, and sustainability goals.

Category Manager Responsibilities

* Lead supplier management including supplier scoping, right-sizing, risk management, ESG and compliance oversight.

* Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to secure the best pricing and rebate deals.

* Develop a deep understanding of managed categories, creating annual category strategy packs with execution plans for GP improvement, savings, and consolidation.

* Manage slow-moving stock and backlog with clear reduction strategies.

* Lead price negotiations, track savings, and ensure delivery against personal and team KPIs.

* Drive Own Brand product development and scaling, identifying growth opportunities and ensuring an effective, sustainable supply base.

* Deliver new product developments and customer projects from R&D through to launch, including data sheets, tech packs, and quality control.

* Work closely with our ESG team to ensure suppliers and products align with carbon neutral goals.

* Ensure data and compliance information is accurate and up to date across all product systems.

* Represent the business in customer meetings, presenting updates on product projects and pushing through new opportunities.

* Support with tenders, including compliance, pricing, and written submissions.

* Collaborate with Marketing on Own Brand strategies and product messaging.

Experience for Category Manager

* Experience working within hospitality, leisure industry preferred.

* Understanding of key categories including paper hygiene, janitorial desirable (not essential)

* Experience managing categories and delivering and executing strategic plans.

* Understanding complex data sets and being able to analyse information to form data backed strategic plans and setting category targets.

* Strong Excel skills.

* Supplier management experience essential.

* Understanding of product development and new product launches ideal.

* Experience working to a critical path or project management

Benefits

* 22 days holiday rising after 2 years

* Holiday buy-back scheme

* Growth by sharing bonus scheme

* Modern open-plan offices

* Free lunch every Friday

* Company sick pay

* Company social and corporate events

* Monthly + Annual bonus structure

This is a full time role – Mon – Fri – 08:00 – 17:00

Buying, procurement, FMCG, Category management
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed