Category Manager

Wickes is more than just the nation’s favourite DIY store. We’re part of the Travis Perkins Group, one of the UK’s top employers. That’s why the first thing you’ll notice at Wickes is the way everyone pulls together.  It’s a place where we’ll ask for your ideas, listen to your opinions and value the contributions you make.  Chances are you’ve never experienced anything quite like our culture.  All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.

The role we're recruiting for;

The role of Category Manager is to drive and deliver a product range that meets the customers’ needs, whilst achieving or exceeding the budgeted sales and margin for the categories.

Principal Responsibilities;

Product Strategy

• Set a clear and customer focused category strategy to deliver growth in sales and profit.

• Develop and build category plan, to deliver market share growth, informed by internal and external insight to maximise commercial position and provide the best customer proposition.

• Trading Management (delivering the plan and numbers)

• Drive sales and profit through an activity plan including promotion, advertising and PR in alignment with the framework set by Marketing, Direct Channels and Operations Departments.

• Managing SKU level cost and retail price in line with pricing and promotional strategy

• Deliver or exceed budgeted sales and margin whilst maintaining or growing market share.

Supply & Sourcing

• Build profitable supplier partnership to develop market position.

• Develop a clear sourcing strategy to ensure the supply of quality products that meet the customer need through the most efficient route to market.

• Develop high performing business partnerships with key suppliers to maximise business opportunity.   

• Manage supplier base to ensure that they meet all of our requirements using supplier KRA’s and 100% availability.

Leadership & Team Development

• Develop and lead direct reports to ensure individual growth and maximising of potential.

• Driving engagement with the category and its plans; be a visible ambassador/champion of your

           category, driving understanding through the business

What we are looking for;

• Experienced in category management or buying

• Developing & executing a category strategy

• Motivated to achieve targets/deadlines.

• Excellent attention-to-detail, planning and organisation skills.

• Excellent analytical and communication skills (verbal and written) at all levels.

• Excellent planning, time and project management skills.

• Experience of managing a team

A full job description is available prior to interview.

What we can offer you?

Travis Perkins plc are the UK leader in the building materials and home improvement markets. Recognised as one of Britain’s Top Employers since 2010, we offer our employees access to extensive career opportunities across 20+ leading businesses including Travis Perkins, Wickes, Keyline and City Plumbing Supplies. We operate out of more than 2,000 outlets nationwide and have over 28,000 colleagues.

Our strong family values and 'cornerstones' lie at the heart of the success of our journey - from family business to forward thinking plc. If matching your ambition to our culture is an exciting prospect, there's never been a better time to join us.

And if, like us, you put customers at heart of everything you do, you can expect to be rewarded with a full package of perks on top of a salary that grows with you as you grow in our business.