Category Manager

Job Summary: Due to expansion, we are seeking to strengthen our central team with a proactive and commercially driven Category Manager to join our dynamic category team at MKM.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading on lightside shop categories, focusing on collaborative engagement with our branch network, fostering strong supplier relationships, and driving commercial success. Covering product areas – Building Chemicals, Fixings, Tools / Power tools, Sealants, Adhesives and Decorating. This role will be hybrid – with 3 days a week being based within our Central Support function in Hull.

If you are looking for a new challenge in a supportive and growing business, then this is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker who can balance operational needs with long-term category development to really make a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Branch Engagement:

• Collaborate closely with our Branch Directors and their teams to understand local market needs and ensure through product and commercial agreements, our branches can be a market leader in their locality.
• Provide guidance and support to branches, to allow the most appropriate decisions to be made on a local level.

2. Supplier Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with our key suppliers, negotiating commercial terms which enhance the MKM position as a market leading growth business.
• Work with suppliers to ensure product availability at all times, understand the market and legislation changes and support joint marketing initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance, addressing any issues promptly to maintain and future proof the MKM supply chain.

3. Commercial Focus:

• Review and understand sales and margin data, market trends, and customer insights to develop and implement progressive category strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams within central support to drive category growth, ensuring a competitive edge in the market.

4. Product Management:

• Oversee the product lifecycle from selection to discontinuation, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimising aged stock.
• Lead product and range reviews to keep the category offerings relevant on a local basis and profitable.
• Coordinate with the marketing team to develop impactful campaigns that highlight key products and drive customer numbers.

5. Performance Analysis and Reporting:

• Regularly review category performance, providing detailed reports and actionable insights to senior management.
• Use data-driven analysis to forecast trends, identify risks, and realise commercial opportunities within the category.

6. Collaboration and Communication:

• Work cross-functionally with all teams within Central Support, including Marketing, Digital, Finance and Trading Support.
• Communicate category plans and actions effectively across the business, ensuring local branch needs are recognised and met.

Benefits

In return, you can be a part of the UK’s largest independent Builders Merchant and winner of many industry awards. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• A competitive pay package
• Performance related bonus
• Car allowance
• People orientated culture
• Substantial staff discounts
• Training and development opportunities
• Holiday scheme which rewards length of service
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Perkbox discounts
• Contributory pension scheme
• Performance related bonus
• Financial Planning Support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• Enhanced Maternity
• Enhanced Paternity
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health Support

Any queries, please call: 01482 262280

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