Category Manager

Mission
To contribute to the continuous growth of the business through effective and profitable management of the product portfolio, taking a proactive role in defining and implementing the product and purchasing strategy incorporating associated activities, ensuring their alignment with the company’s business objectives.
Job Responsibilities
This hybrid role reports to the Head of Buying and Product Development and encompasses the following responsibilities:
Product Management

• Determining product strategy, and product roadmaps and managing the product lifecycle for the product portfolio (cradle to grave).
• Identifying opportunities to expand the product portfolio with complementary products and ranges.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and awareness of all industry, product, regulatory, and legislative changes.
• Working collaboratively with the Buying, Product Development, Marketing, and Inventory Planning teams in successfully executing product strategies.
• Determining and delivering product marketing communications.
• Contributing to product pricing decisions by reference to market forces and competitor activity.
• Supporting the sales and specification teams in maximising sales opportunities for the product portfolio.
• Determining and coordinating all activities associated with promotional activities and the launch of new products and ranges.
• Providing necessary product, market, and competitor information and training to colleagues across the business as required.
  

Supplier Management

• Day-to-day commercial management of the supplier base.
• Product sourcing to include supplier prospecting, assessment of their pedigree, capability, customer base, financial well-being, price competitiveness, product quality, service levels, etc.
• Supplier contract/terms negotiations (price, lead times, minimum order quantities, payment terms, delivery terms, returns arrangements, rebate arrangements, etc.).
• Driving savings, working capital improvements, and supply chain efficiencies through effective negotiation and procurement.
• Supporting the inventory planning team with the resolution of all supply chain issues.
• Working closely with the product development and quality teams in resolving product quality issues and achieving acceptable commercial resolution.
• Supporting the commercial and sales teams with new business tenders and promotional activities.
• Preparation for supplier meetings, trade shows, and business trips, communicating actions as agreed, and managing these through to completion.
  

Project Management

• Project management of new product introductions and resourcing activities, defining the critical path, and working closely with colleagues in the marketing, product development, and inventory planning teams to ensure key milestones and deliverables are met.
• Leading regular project review meetings with the project team for your categories, preparing minutes and determining actions, and formally reporting progress to the business monthly.
  

General Maintenance

• Validation of cost price movements by reference to changes in market indices, tracking these, and reporting their impact on profitability to the business
• Preparation of landed cost templates as required to support commercial pricing decisions.
  

People

• Managing the day-to-day activities of an Assistant Buyer, providing guidance and support as and where required.
• Creating development plans for your direct report and training them to be able to deliver against the key business objectives.
  

Essential
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

• Educated to Degree Level in a relevant business discipline (e.g. Logistics, Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Studies, Management, Finance)
• 3 to 5 years experience in an OEM product management/sourcing/buying role with experience working with a global third-party supplier base
• Proven track record of delivering results cost savings, and improvements
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and a thorough and accurate approach to work
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills
• Ability to work well in both a team environment and alone
• Negotiation experience in a previous procurement or supply chain role
• Organised, resourceful, and a lateral thinker with a proactive approach to tasks
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure and deadline-driven situations
• Computer literate with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, xlookup, IFS, etc)
• Drive, ambition, and enthusiasm to deliver results and progress within the organisation
  

Desirable

• MCIPS or part CIPS qualification
  

ERP System experience