Job Description

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Category Manager / Senior Category Manager to join our Commercial team working within our Kitchens Team.
The role is extremely varied and rewarding with responsibility for setting our pricing and promotional strategies, range selection, supplier management and product availability.
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively across a wide array of internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver optimal results
Whilst Kitchen category specific experience would be preferable, it's not essential. What truly matters are your core skills in buying and category management, coupled with the drive and ambition to genuinely make a difference. We're keen to engage with experienced category managers eager to take that pivotal next step in your commercial career

What you'll be doing

Product StrategySet 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 & SourcingBuild 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 DevelopmentDevelop, engage and lead your team to enable individual growth and realisation of potential Drive engagement with the category and its plans; be a visible ambassador/champion of your category, driving understanding through-out the wider business

What we're looking for:

Taking accountability and ownership for all aspects of the category you will have previous experience of successfully delivering in a category management or buying role, ideally with experience in a multichannel environment. You'll also bring:A commercial mindset, extensive experience in understanding consumer needs and a broad knowledge of marketing and sales principles. Experience of developing and maintaining effective relationships both internally and externally through excellent communication, influencing, collaboration and negotiation skills. A curious and natural approach to solving problems alongside the drive and enthusiasm to achieve commercial targets and to maximise our commercial success. Good attention to detail and numeracy skills, with an ability to utilise research and insight to understand both customers and the market.

What we can offer you:

You'll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us
We'll also equip you with a benefits package that includesCompetitive bonus Car allowance Save-as-you-earn scheme Private Medical and Life Assurance Contributory pension scheme Colleague discount Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme


Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we're proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.

ABOUT US:

Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of 1.3Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.
But it is the Wickes' culture that is considered its best kept secret; it's a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. 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.