Category Manager

Job Title: Remote Category Manager– Building Materials – 12 Month Maternity contract.Job Summary: As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic management and development of specific product categories within MKM. You will work closely with the supplier base, our branch network such as the Branch Directors, and the wider team to ensure that our category and product offering meets customer needs, remains competitive, and contributes to the overall growth and profitability of the company.Key Responsibilities: Category Strategy and Planning:Develop and implement comprehensive category and product strategies aligned with MKM's goals and objectives.Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer insights to identify opportunities and trends within the industry.Ensure the category strategies are appropriate for both MKM branches and mkm.com.Supplier Management:Identify and select suppliers, negotiate trading agreements, and manage supplier relationships to ensure reliable and cost-effective product supply.Monitor supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and address any issues related to quality, availability, and commercial terms.Constantly review our product cost base, identifying and delivering cost decreases ahead of the market changes.Review and assess all proposed supply cost changes, deferring and negating where appropriate.Continuously seek new suppliers and products to expand and enhance the category offering.Cross-functional Collaboration:Collaborate closely with the branch network and Branch Directors to understand customer needs, feedback, and market demands.Work closely with the trading support team to ensure any product file issues are communicated and implemented in timely and accurate way.Ensure all supplier trading terms are implemented and uploaded on to the system in a timely and accurate manner, including the approval of terms.Working closely with the marketing team to develop promotional and category awareness marketing campaigns.Provide product training and support to the branch network to enhance their product knowledge and expertise.Performance Analysis and Reporting:Monitor category performance, sales, Through margin percentage and pound.Understand market trends, customer preferences, and the competitive landscape to identify areas for improvement.Prepare regular reports and presentations, highlighting key findings, recommendations, and achievements.Team Development:Work with the Head of Building Materials, to develop the Assistant Category Managers within the team.Be responsible for your own personal development.Key Skills and Experience:Proven experience in category management, preferably in the Builders Merchant industry.Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.Effective leadership and team management skills.Knowledge of market trends and industry regulations.Proficiency in using category management software and tools.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.This role will require you to attend a weekly face to face meeting at an off site location.If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for Building Material products and have a track record of successful category management, we invite you to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Building Materials category at MKM.Apply now and be part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and excellence.BenefitsIn return, you can be a part of the UK’s largest independent Builders Merchant and winner of many industry awards. Some of the benefits we offer include:A competitive pay package.Generous discretionary bonus scheme.People orientated culture.Substantial staff discounts.Training and development opportunities.Holiday scheme which rewards length of service.Perkbox discountsContributory pension schemePerformance related bonusFinancial Planning SupportCycle to work schemeFree parking Enhanced MaternityEnhanced PaternitySubstantial Employee DiscountEmployee Assistance ProgrammeMental Health SupportMKM is the leading independent builders’ merchant in the UK, and we were established in 1995. Our people are what make us unique in what we do. Today we have more than 128 branches and over 3000 employees nationwide. Whilst we continue to grow, we are constantly striving to always attract, recruit, retain, promote, and support a diverse mix of colleagues that create a sense of belonging to the ‘MKM family’ for everyone. We hope you will join us on our journey!