Junior Category Manager

About the role

Toolstation, part of Travis Perkins plc, is recruiting a Junior Category Manager for its commercial team, based in Bridgewater, Somerset. The role is permanent and full time (40 hours per week) with hybrid working from Northampton or Bridgwater; candidates must be able to drive and travel to both locations each week. You will own a category, support product category strategies, drive innovation of new products and influence trading margin and mix.

Key responsibilities

• Understand the relevant customer and retail market and category performance, including key market trends
• Build and maintain ongoing relationships with suppliers, keeping performance and customer service in focus
• Prepare commercial plans that are accurate and aligned with business objectives
• Review promotional activity and apply learnings to improve promotional and margin performance

Required profile

• Currently works in a buying or commercial team and wants to step up or move into a new role
• Previous buying or commercial experience is necessary; previous experience in category performance is desirable
• Proven ability to spot opportunities using product and consumer knowledge and market awareness
• Numerate, with experience managing costs and budgets
• Must be able to drive and travel to Northampton and/or Bridgwater each week

Required skills

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with strong communication
• Analytical skills to monitor and measure sales and profit results and adjust product ranges to meet targets and margins
• Working knowledge of Google or Microsoft spreadsheet, Word and presentation applications

What we offer

• 26 days' holiday plus bank holidays, company pension scheme and life assurance
• Bonus scheme, cycle to work scheme and save-as-you-earn option
• 20% discounts across all Travis Perkins companies, financial education and support, recognition awards and discounts at over 1,000 other retailers
• Training and development, including Toolstation Academy programmes