Category Manager – Poole (BH12) – Upto £45k DOE
Our client is a fast-paced, global solutions provider famous for their fantastic customer service and end-to-end solutions - they help customers stay ahead in an ever-changing world.
Due to their continued growth, they are looking for a Category Manager to join their forward-thinking team and help shape the future of their supplier partnerships, own-brand growth, and sustainability goals.
Category Manager Responsibilities
*Lead supplier management including supplier scoping, right-sizing, risk management, ESG and compliance oversight.
*Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to secure the best pricing and rebate deals.
*Develop a deep understanding of managed categories, creating annual category strategy packs with execution plans for GP improvement, savings, and consolidation.
*Manage slow-moving stock and backlog with clear reduction strategies.
*Lead price negotiations, track savings, and ensure delivery against personal and team KPIs.
*Drive Own Brand product development and scaling, identifying growth opportunities and ensuring an effective, sustainable supply base.
*Deliver new product developments and customer projects from R&D through to launch, including data sheets, tech packs, and quality control.
*Work closely with our ESG team to ensure suppliers and products align with carbon neutral goals.
*Ensure data and compliance information is accurate and up to date across all product systems.
*Represent the business in customer meetings, presenting updates on product projects and pushing through new opportunities.
*Support with tenders, including compliance, pricing, and written submissions.
*Collaborate with Marketing on Own Brand strategies and product messaging.
Experience for Category Manager
*Experience working within hospitality, leisure industry preferred.
*Understanding of key categories including paper hygiene, janitorial desirable (not essential)
*Experience managing categories and delivering and executing strategic plans.
*Understanding complex data sets and being able to analyse information to form data backed strategic plans and setting category targets.
*Strong Excel skills.
*Supplier management experience essential.
*Understanding of product development and new product launches ideal.
*Experience working to a critical path or project management
Benefits
*22 days holiday rising after 2 years
*Holiday buy-back scheme
*Growth by sharing bonus scheme
*Modern open-plan offices
*Free lunch every Friday
*Company sick pay
*Company social and corporate events
*Monthly + Annual bonus structure


This is a full time role – Mon – Fri – 08:00 – 17:00
Buying, Procurement, FMCG, Category management