Category Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with a knack for managing supplier relationships and driving growth? Our client, a dynamic and fast-paced organisation based in Petersfield, is seeking a Category Manager to join their team. In this key role, you'll be responsible for end-to-end category management, ensuring best-practice procurement, developing growth and sustainability strategies, and building strong vendor partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate commercial terms to maximise cost savings and supplier contributions, such as rebates and early payment discounts.
• Own the profitability and growth of assigned categories, collaborating with Sales and Operations.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers, maintain up-to-date supplier agreements, and manage supplier performance metrics.
• Oversee the tender process, including sourcing, evaluating, and negotiating with suppliers.
• Lead the development and launch of new products within your category, while managing product lifecycle activities.
• Optimise stock levels and reduce excess inventory in partnership with the Stock team.
• Drive product visibility in marketing campaigns and control pricing and promotions for your categories.

Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with a confident and adaptable approach.
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to cost-saving and process improvements.
• Demonstrated success in supply chain, purchasing, or stock control, ideally within a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel, with working knowledge of Oracle NetSuite preferred.
• CIPS-qualified or actively working toward membership is a plus.

Benefits

• Salary: £50,000
• 4-day office-based work in Petersfield with 1-day remote working flexibility.
• Friday early finish at 4 pm.
• Enjoy perks like weekly bakery delivery, monthly yoga, a car wash, and a quarterly team lunch.
• Up to 3 additional holidays with tenure, EAP scheme, birthday leave after one year, and company-wide recognition and bonus schemes.

This is a brilliant opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing team! If you are detail-oriented with a passion for category growth and vendor management, we'd love to hear from you.