Category Manager

What Will I Be Doing?

As Category Manager you will manage the daily category responsibilities and drive and implement new products and go to market plans alongside the Commercial and Marketing Directors.

Elements of the role include, but are not limited to assortment, specification, pricing, merchandising and the overall promotion of specified categories and their associated products to maximise customer trade and customer appeal.

You will be responsible for:

• Product cycle management
• New product development
• Supplier management
• Owning the shipping process
• Working closely with the Business Manager

What is the Goal of the Role?

The goal of the Category Manager role is to increase sales and profitability of the business and drive sustainable growth. The client is seeking to move into new category directions, and this is your opportunity to showcase your ability and drive. You will be motivated to drive market innovation by exploring the potential for uncharted category introductions in order to enhance the current portfolio.

What Do I Need?

• 5+ years category management experience, preferably obtained within similar markets/categories
• Commercial mindset and full comprehension of marketing and sales principles
• Extensive experience in understanding consumer needs in relation to product and the retail environment
• Solid understanding of data with the ability to provide accurate, coherent analysis in relation to all product and pricing metrics
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel are key)
• An analytical mind with a strategic ability
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Product R&D capabilities, preferably using design software
• Ability to support the Marketing Dept with artwork for packaging, POS and literature on occasion would be a huge benefit due to a small core team. Adobe Creative suite skills preferred
• Adhere to company guidelines, H&S procedures and uphold company values
• Ability to represent the business professionally at all times with a friendly nature
• A proactive individual capable of working at pace, yet with attention to detail. A self-starter who is comfortable working alone and, importantly as part of a busy core team

A Bit More About Our Client:

Our client specialises in supplying landscape and garden products into the gardening sector. It is a small but experienced team of industry leaders who are looking for a dynamic individual to join their close-knit team and bring ideas and innovation to the table.

What's Next?

For an informal chat, please call me, Rae on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) or send me a message on LinkedIn. Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date, just send what you already have and we can sort the rest later!