Category Manager

Category Manager - Poole - 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.

• 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 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

• 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