1. Category Manager
Your new company
Beyond Retail is an award-winning multi-website online retailer offering bathroom, kitchen and heating products to Britain’s homeowners and tradespeople. Over 8 million people visit our websites (Drench, Tap Warehouse and Only Radiators) each year, and we’re on a mission to help create well-designed homes that look great, feel special, and have a positive impact on people's everyday lives. We’re a little over 10 years old now, and in that short time we’ve accelerated from zero to £50m/year revenue, won local and national awards, and grown to 150-plus people.
**** Please view the dedicated microsite for this campaign
https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/beyond-retail/welcome
Your new role
We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Category Manager to take full ownership of multiple product categories. In this role, you will be responsible for range planning strategy and execution across your categories – optimising product assortment, leading the go-to-market strategy for new product launches, identifying and onboarding new suppliers, owning product life cycles, and ultimately driving improvements to revenue and margin. You’ll work closely with marketing, operations, and sales teams to drive category performance and expansion. Your outstanding analytical and commercial acumen will be vital in ensuring we continue to offer our customers outstanding value-for-money and market-leading choice, whilst returning healthy profits and sustainable growth.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong commercial and analytical mindset, and a proven track record in category management, buying, or merchandising, ideally within the KBB (Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom) industry or similar.
- Category Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive range-planning strategies, covering pricing, promotions, and product life cycles.
- Supplier Management: Manage and nurture supplier relationships, onboard new suppliers and conduct high-level negotiations to secure competitive terms.
- Financial Performance: Monitor financial performance to ensure optimal margin and revenue performance and make data-driven decisions on product discontinuations and range adjustments.
- Market Analysis: Identify new opportunities and stay ahead of market trends and competitor activities.
- Customer Focus: Enhance customer experience by aligning product offerings with customer needs and preferences.
- Product Launch: Lead the go-to-market strategy for new products, ensuring high value for money and strong customer appeal.
- People Management: Manage and support team members as required, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, and sales teams to optimise category performance.
- Pricing Strategy: Develop and implement competitive pricing strategies, considering market conditions and competitor pricing.
- Supplier Visits: Travel both within the UK and abroad to visit suppliers and factories, scope out new suppliers, and assess new products.
What you'll need to succeed
- Experience: 5+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising, preferably within a fast-paced and high-volume retail environment.
- Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships effectively.
- Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in the KBB industry or similar retail sectors essential.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial awareness with a proven track record of delivering profitable category growth.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse market trends, customer behaviour, and financial data to inform strategic decisions.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and lead supplier negotiations effectively.
What you'll get in return
- Friendly and casual work environment, great people culture and supportive manager
- Incredibly flexible remote work policy or be in the office as often as you like – you decide!
- Strong opportunities for growth and career progression
- Excellent employee welfare and benefits including flexible work environment, team and company socials, free fruit and healthy snacks, dog-friendly office and more!
What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
________________________________________
Contact:
Mandy Lynn, 01256 633152 / mandy.lynn@hays.com
Graham Smith, 01202 048611 / graham.smith@hays.com - Mandy Lynn
