As a Category Manager at Leyland SDM, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the category strategies for your designated categories. Your primary focus will be to align category strategies with our business objectives and operational requirements, ensuring competitive pricing, a diverse product range, and compelling promotions. You will cater to the needs of our Trade and DIY customers, driving margin growth and meeting supplier income targets.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and execute category strategies that align with company goals and customer expectations.
Build and maintain product ranges that resonate with both Trade and DIY customers.
Deliver category margin and supplier income targets.
Build strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating terms to secure the best value for the company and our customers.
Work closely with internal departments to ensure category strategies are well-integrated and supported across the business.
Oversee the supplier relationship management process, including regular evaluations to assess supplier performance and compliance with our standards.
Monitor market trends and price fluctuations to anticipate industry shifts and adjust category strategies proactively.
Skills & Experience:
A proven track record in supplier management and negotiations, with a history of fostering strong supplier partnerships and delivering category performance.
Demonstrate experience in margin management within a trade or retail environment, consistently delivering outstanding financial results.
Expertise in managing product ranges and understanding customer needs.
Proficiency in managing and tracking supplier rebates and incentives.
Experience in product benchmarking, ensuring a competitive offering.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with all levels within the organisation.
Logical and methodical approach to work
Excellent Excel skills (complex formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables and charts)
High attention to detail
Proactive and self-motivated
Excellent maths skills
Able to work to strict deadlines
Good written and spoken communication abilities
Minimum 2 years of experience in category management, within a trade or retail environment.
How will we reward you?
We have an excellent benefits package on offer:
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Travel subsidised in zones 1-6
- 30 days holiday a year, increasing with service
- Up to 20% discount in Leyland SDM, plus discount across other Grafton Group brands
- Pension with competitive contributions
- Health Cash-plan – claim money back on everyday healthcare needs and treatments
- Share saving scheme into our parent company, the Grafton Group
- Company sick pay
- Life assurance
- Refer a friend
- Cycle to work scheme
- 100’s of retail discounts available through our flexible benefits portal
Apply now!
Join our team at Leyland SDM and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional value to our customers through strategic category management. If you have a passion for retail and a drive to excel in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you.
