Senior Category Manager

Are you an accomplished commercial leader keen for your next big challenge? Join Howdens as a Senior Category Manager where you'll lead the commercial category proposition for our doors and joinery. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this pivotal role demands seasoned leadership and strategic acumen as you steer the direction of a critical business segment.  Located at either our Howden site in the East Riding of Yorkshire or our Raunds site in Northamptonshire, you'll lead a team of skilled Category Managers in sourcing and delivering a market-leading range of products within the category.
Your responsibilities will encompass the full spectrum of category management, from refining product specifications and market pricing strategies to orchestrating depot engagement initiatives and crafting comprehensive communications plans.
To thrive in this Senior Category Manager role, you must possess a keen sense of commercial acumen, paired with exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. Prioritisation will be key as you collaborate closely with your team and stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives and drive sustainable growth.
What we are looking for:
- Proven Expertise: A proven track record and experience in category management with full ownership.
- Senior Leadership: Experience operating at a senior level within a dynamic commercial environment, ideally within a Trade organisation.
- Educational Background: A degree or equivalent professional qualification, such as an Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 5) or CIM (Level 4).
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrable experience in effective leadership and people management.
- Strategic Vision: A proven ability to develop and execute commercial category strategies.
- Relationship Management: Outstanding skills in building relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
- Commercial Insight: A deep understanding of commercial dynamics to structure range architecture, set product pricing, and optimize margins.
- Communication Skills: Confident communicator with exceptional presentation abilities.
- Negotiation Expertise: Proficient in negotiation techniques and adept at compiling supplier agreements using commercial acumen.
- Analytical Aptitude: Strong analytical skills to drive data-informed decision-making.
What can we offer you as a Senior Category Manager?
- Competitive salary and annual company bonus
- Fully expensed company car or car allowance
- Private medical insurance 
- Enhanced Pension Plan (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
- Free canteen or subsidised restaurant onsite (location dependent)
- Staff Discount.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events.
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 850 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.   In 2022, our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 
There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment.  That, along with a highly competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.
How to apply
We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA.  If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we are keen to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and we will be in touch with next steps.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.