Category Manager

We have an opportunity within our commercial team as an Junior Category Manager. This is your opportunity to stamp your personality across a category, supporting the implementation of product category strategies within Toolstation whilst being fully supported along the way., You'll own the customer proposition, you will drive innovation of new products, influence the trading margin and mix - and support the wider Commercial Strategy in growing and managing our product base and business performance whilst building and maintaining fantastic relationships with our stores, providing them with the service that they need to win. Candidates must be able to drive and travel to Northampton/ Bridgwater 2 days a month (and supplier visits) Day-to-day Work to know and understand the relevant customer/retail market and the category performance within that - understanding key market trends Effectively develop and maintain continuous engagement with all suppliers making sure performance and customer service are key considerations Prepare and maintain commercial plans, ensuring accuracy and alignment with overall business objectives. Effectively review all promotional activity; implementing learnings to improve promotional and margin performance, This is a hybrid based role, you can either be based in the Midlands or South West where you will be expected to work from the office 1-2 times per month at either Bridgwater or Northampton. Are you

Do you thrive in a commercial environment and enjoy negotiating with suppliers? Do you relish the challenge of driving sustainable profitable sales and putting customers and stores at the heart of everything you do? Do you have great attention to detail, an ability to multitask and enjoy problem solving?, You may currently work within a buying or commercial team and are looking for the opportunity to step up or into a new role and develop your skills. We'll need you to have excellent negotiation and influencing skills along with a strong commercial mind and an instinct for a deal. You'll be working closely with our suppliers, stores and sales teams, so we'll need you to utilise your great communication skills and ability to influence. Most importantly, we're looking for someone to show passion and ambition to ensure we are getting the best deals for our customers, always.

• Demonstrable ability to engage and influence key stakeholders and suppliers.
• Previous buying/ commercial experience will be necessary.
• Working previously within category performance would be desirable.
• Proven experience of spotting opportunities using product and consumer knowledge as well as market awareness.
• Analytical skills to monitor and measure sales and profit results and adjust product ranges to ensure sales targets and margins are achieved.
• Excellent working knowledge of Google or Microsoft spreadsheet, word and presentation applications
• Numerate with experience of managing costs and budgets.
  
  Plus, you'll receive some of the best benefits in retail. So, as well as 22 days' holidays + Bank Holidays, company pension scheme and life assurance, we offer a bonus scheme, cycle to work scheme, save and buy as you earn, 20% discounts across all Travis Perkins companies, financial education and support, recognition awards and discounts at over 1000 other retailers.
Toolstation. The story so far. We're one of Britain's fastest growing multi-channel retailers of tools, accessories and building supplies and an integral part of Travis Perkins plc. The trade, home improvers and self-builders all trust us to deliver a lot more than tools. Our store expansion programme and the size and diversity of our Group, means we always have opportunities for ambitious people who want to grow with us., Our businesses span the trade, home improvement and DIY markets and our aim is to offer the best for our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities around us which helps bring our strategy to life.