Category Manager
Category ManagerLeicesterExcellent salary, benefits and CIPS study supportPermanent vacancyAre you a commercially driven Category Manager with the ambition to influence strategy, shape supplier partnerships and drive meaningful growth across a dynamic trading environment? This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Trading team where your expertise, ideas and industry relationships will make a real impact. In this role, you will take ownership of key product categories, using your experience to develop innovative category strategies, unlock new supplier opportunities and maximise value for an expanding membership base. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, suppliers and internal teams, playing a central role in driving turnover, meeting KPIs and advancing digital trading initiatives. You’ll also be at the forefront of adopting and promoting cutting-edge digital platforms, including a market-leading digital trading solution and an industry-recognised PIM system, helping suppliers and members work smarter and more efficiently. This role offers the opportunity to: Manage and grow a significant supplier portfolio with direct influence over category strategy and performance Introduce new ideas, best practice and innovation to elevate category management Work closely with senior leaders to deliver ambitious strategic objectives Build strong, long-term supplier and stakeholder relationships Represent the organisation at industry events, committees and forums Be supported and developed within a business that values talent, ambition and career progression You’ll thrive if you enjoy working in a fast-paced, commercial environment, are confident influencing at all levels, and take pride in delivering measurable results. Key Responsibilities Manage and develop supplier categories in line with strategic and commercial objectives Drive growth within existing categories and identify new product and supplier opportunities Influence suppliers to adopt digital tools and process efficiencies Ensure categories deliver against agreed KPIs and departmental targets Maintain and grow strong supplier relationships through regular engagement Organise, coordinate and facilitate committee meetings Produce accurate, timely management reports with meaningful insight Collaborate with senior stakeholders to support overall strategic goals Represent the organisation at internal and industry events About You Proven experience in Category Management with a strong growth track record Commercially astute with excellent negotiation and influencing skills Ideally from a building products or construction background Strong analytical capability and confident working with data Comfortable managing your own workload and working to deadlines Experienced with MS Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables); BI tools advantageous Industry qualifications such as CIPS or equivalent experience welcomed Willing to travel within the UK and Europe Proactive, customer-focused and open to change If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want a role where your expertise will be recognised and your ideas will shape the future of category management, this role could be the perfect fit.
read more