Category Manager Buyer | Retail

Overview of the Role

The job holder will support the Head of Commercial in developing the Health & Lifestyle Category to achieve sales and gross margin goals while managing inventory for specific brands. This role includes setting strategic objectives to ensure sustained growth across all markets.

Develop, implement, and deliver category plans that include range reviews, promotions, pricing, and stock management and are aligned with the overall commercial strategy and financial goals.

Work with the Marketing team to create and execute marketing promotion plans and strategies for the category. Ensure adherence to legislation and brand guidelines, and communicate effectively with customers to drive footfall and profitable sales.

Review and assess the effectiveness of promotions, take necessary actions, and share best practices with peers and stakeholders.

Collaborate with Exclusive Brands to develop and launch exclusive products/ranges that increase participation and align with agreed strategies and plans.

Partner with the planning team to devise a merchandising strategy that ensures the right range is available in the right store, maintains in-store availability, and controls slow-moving stock.

Identify and implement new product opportunities that are competitively priced, commercially viable, and meet customer needs, driving sales and profitability.

Manage and review pricing to ensure it is competitive and maximizes profitability, operating within the company's pricing strategy.

Collaborate with the planning team to meet base sales and promotional forecasts while maintaining in-store availability to meet customer needs.

Develop effective working relationships with cross-functional team members to support and enhance category objectives and performance.

Build and maintain effective external relationships to enhance Watson's proposition and meet customer needs.

Adopt appropriate negotiation strategies to secure the best terms for the category and the business.

Continuously develop knowledge of category products, competitors, and market activity to improve category performance objectives.

• Strong analytical skills.
• Exceptional commercial awareness and creativity.
• Proven negotiation abilities.
• Decisive, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Practical delegation skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and ability to manage deadlines.
• Superior time management skills and the ability to perform well under pressure.

At least a Bachelor's Degree, Professional Degree, Post Graduate, or equivalent.

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Buyer in a retail environment, preferably in Health and Beauty.

• Exercises sound judgment in decision-making.
• Acts with integrity and respect.
• Adapts to business-driven changes.
• Manages multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Handles unexpected events and issues promptly and independently.
• Identifies priorities, organizes, and plans activities to ensure timely execution.
• Works effectively as a team member.
• Willing and able to travel.