Full job descriptionQuest Search & Selection are looking for a commercially focused Head of Category to join an established retail business. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for category strategy, product development, range planning, stock, margin and supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities of this Category Lead role -


*Lead the category strategy and budget, delivering against sales, margin, cash and stock targets
*Own the product proposition and ensure ranges are commercially relevant and aligned to the customer
*Lead the sourcing, selection and development of product ranges
*Manage critical paths and ensure ranges launch on time
*Lead and develop the team, building capability, accountability and commercial focus
*Build strong relationships with suppliers and external partners
*Manage third-party warehouse and logistics relationships, including cost and service performance
*Travel to stores, suppliers and trade shows to research trends and source products
*Ensure products meet relevant certification and legislative requirements
To be successful in this Category Lead role -
*Strong experience within buying, category management or product development
*Commercially strong and confident working with sales, margin, stock and KPI data
*Experience developing and selecting product ranges
*Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
*Proven experience leading and developing a team
*Able to take ownership and become the go-to person for the category
*Confident challenging existing thinking and identifying new opportunities
*Able to make effective commercial decisions quickly
*Experience within home, lifestyle, garden, seasonal, furniture would be particularly relevant
Benefits of this Category Lead role -
*Car Allowance
*Annual performance-related bonus
*Pension
*Healthcare
*Hybrid working, typically 1–2 days per week in the office
*Regular supplier, store and trade-show exposure


If you are an experienced Head of Category, Category Manager, Senior Buyer or Buying Manager looking for a broader leadership role, please apply today!