Category Manager

Zachary Daniels are pleased to be supporting a client in the B2B trade space. My client is seeking a skilled Category Manager to join their Trading team. As a Category Manager, you will bring your expertise to introduce innovative ideas and best practices, driving the category management strategy forward. You will be responsible for optimising current product categories while identifying new product and supplier opportunities for our expanding membership base.

Reporting directly to the Head of Trading, the Category Manager will manage a significant supplier portfolio and be accountable for driving turnover and achieving departmental KPIs. You will engage with suppliers and members, negotiate terms, foster positive relationships, and apply strategic thinking. Your exceptional planning and analytical skills will be crucial to succeeding in this exciting role.

My client is committed to attracting and developing top talent within the industry, ensuring the successful candidate is fully supported in achieving their career goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop supplier categories in line with strategic objectives.
• Ensure the category meets necessary KPIs and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Trading team to achieve key performance targets and support the organisation's strategic objectives.
• Maintain and develop relationships with key suppliers to grow turnover.
• Organise, coordinate, and lead commodity committee meetings.
• Represent my client at industry events and internal functions.
• Work with department heads and directors to achieve strategic goals.
• Produce accurate, timely management reports.
• Perform additional duties as appropriate to the role.

Performance Expectations:

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to relate to people from various backgrounds and positions.
• Confident in discussing ideas and issues with senior management and recommending solutions.
• Able to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Willingness to work beyond contracted hours and travel within the UK and Europe.
• Bring fresh ideas and be open to change.
• Handle constructive feedback and pressure with professionalism.
• Customer-focused mindset.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Extensive understanding of Category Management, with a proven record of driving growth.
• Ability to manage your workload and collaborate within a team.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with an eye for identifying new opportunities.
• Existing industry relationships with key stakeholders.
• Problem-solving skills and a professional attitude.
• Commercial and digital trading experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Excel (pivot tables).
• Strong presentation skills for delivering updates at forums and seminars.
• Experience in the building materials sector is preferred but not essential.

Personal Attributes:

• A positive, driven attitude.
• Excellent telephone manner.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or within a team.
• Strong analytical and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to network and engage with people at all levels.
• Target-driven with a focus on meeting deadlines.
• Approachable, polite, and committed to personal and team development.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

BBBH31647