<p>An experienced commercial professional who leads category strategy to drive range performance, supplier partnerships and margin improvement. Brief: The Category Manager collaborates with buying, marketing, and operations to deliver the right products to shoppers at the right price. Suitable for candidates with strong analytical ability, commercial acumen and proven experience in retail or wholesale.</p>
<p>This job description outlines the responsibilities, profile and requirements for a Category Manager. It is designed to support HR teams, recruiters and agencies in sourcing high-calibre candidates who can deliver commercial growth through effective category management.</p>
<h2>Category Manager Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Category Manager owns the end-to-end category plan, from assortment and pricing to supplier relations and promotional execution. They use data insight to optimise ranges and improve profitability while ensuring shopper relevance.</p>
<p>Reporting to the Head of Buying or Commercial Director, the role requires strong stakeholder management, P&L accountability, and experience negotiating with suppliers to secure competitive terms and drive innovation.</p>
<h2>Category Manager Job Description</h2>
<p>The Category Manager develops and implements category strategies that align with the organisation's commercial objectives. They analyse sales, margin and inventory data to identify growth opportunities, manage SKU rationalisation and define promotional plans that increase penetration and average basket value. A strong focus on supplier development ensures availability, quality and sustainable cost base.</p>
<p>Day to day, the role involves end-to-end range planning, pricing decisions, promotional calendar management and close collaboration with marketing, logistics and operations to deliver seamless execution. The manager will lead category review meetings, produce regular performance reports and present actionable recommendations to senior leadership. Continuous improvement and shopper insight are leveraged to refine the category proposition and drive long-term loyalty.</p>
<p>The successful candidate will be commercially minded, numerate and adept at using category management tools and analytics platforms. They will balance short-term promotional needs with long-term strategic investment to maximise return on capital and margin improvement.</p>
<h2>Category Manager Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to the business plan and customer needs</li>
<li>Own category P&L and deliver agreed sales, margin and volume targets</li>
<li>Lead range planning, assortment reviews and SKU rationalisation</li>
<li>Analyse sales, margin and inventory data to identify trends and opportunities</li>
<li>Negotiate commercial terms, promotions and supply agreements with suppliers</li>
<li>Manage the promotional calendar and evaluate campaign effectiveness</li>
<li>Collaborate with marketing, supply chain and operations to ensure successful launches and availability</li>
<li>Present category performance and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders</li>
<li>Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform decision-making</li>
<li>Implement processes to improve forecast accuracy and inventory turnover</li>
</ul>
<h2>Category Manager Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics or a related discipline</li>
<li>Proven experience as a Category Manager, Buyer or Commercial Manager in retail or FMCG</li>
<li>Strong commercial acumen with experience in P&L ownership and margin management</li>
<li>Excellent analytical skills and proficiency with Excel and analytics tools</li>
<li>Experience in supplier negotiation and contract management</li>
<li>Ability to translate shopper insight into an actionable range and marketing plans</li>
<li>Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills</li>
<li>Proven project management skills and the ability to work cross-functionally</li>
<li>Knowledge of merchandising, pricing strategies and inventory optimisation</li>
<li>Degree of initiative, attention to detail and a results-oriented mindset</li>
</ul>