Description
Inizio Engage are working on behalf of their client based in Leicester who are looking for a Category Manager to join their expanding team due to exciting growth.

As Category Manager you will use your experience and relationships to introduce new ideas and best practice to help drive our client's category management strategy to the next level. You will be responsible for driving growth within existing product categories while identifying new product and supplier opportunities. Reporting directly to the Head of Trading, you will manage a significant supplier portfolio and be responsible for driving turnover, working towards the departments KPIS. Interaction with suppliers, negotiating, developing positive relationships, having the ability to influence and think strategically, being an exceptional planner with strong analytical skills will be pivotal in being successful within this exciting role.

Job Summary

• Manage and develop supplier categories in line with strategic objectives.
• Influence suppliers to embrace digital and process efficiencies that save time and reduce complexity.
• Ensure the category meets required KPI’s and strategic objectives.
• Work with the Trading team to ensure categories meet and support strategic objectives.
• Meet and contact key suppliers on a periodic basis to maintain and develop relationships and grow turnover.
• Organise, coordinate and facilitate committee meetings.
• Attend Industry events.
• Collaborate with department heads and Directors to develop and achieve the company's strategic goals.
• Produce accurate and informative management reports and complete them with the timeframe set.
• Any other duties deemed appropriate in conjunction with this role.

Performance Standards

• Capable of working under pressure to meet necessary deadlines and initiatives.
• Ability to interface and relate to people from differing backgrounds and status.
• Ability to discuss suggestions, ideas, and issues with managers and directors and recommend solutions.
• Competent to function independent of supervision and be a good decision-maker.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe.
• Bring new ideas and initiatives to the business.
• Have openness to change and adapt to new ways of working.
• Customer focused.

Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of Category Management with a proven track record of driving growth and opportunities.
• Proven record of managing own workload and working within a team environment.
• Recognised Industry qualifications such as CIPS or qualified by experience.
• Construction expertise would be an advantage but not essential
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with an eye for spotting new opportunities.
• Existing strong relationships with key personnel within the industry.
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across teams and key industry partners.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Proven commercial and digital trading experience.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, including competency in Excel creating pivot tables.
• Experience with PHOCAS, Power BI, or similar tools preferred but not essential.
• Good presentation skills to deliver updates to large audiences at forums and seminars.
• Experience working within the building material sector preferred but not essential.
• Knowledge of the building materials industry and relevant organisations is preferred but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• A winning attitude with a drive to do well.
• Skilled in influencing stakeholders and gaining buy-in to achieve objectives.
• Excellent and confident telephone manner.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work proactively on own initiative as well as with other team members
• Strong analytical and numerical approach and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to network and communicate with people from all levels and backgrounds.
• Target driven approach to ensure deadlines are met.
• Approachable and polite, with a commitment to developing self and others.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines.