Elevation Procurement & Supply Chain are delighted to be partnered with a UK wide, growing and developing convenience retailer, seeking to hire a Category Manager, with a strong Grocery background. Step into a high-impact commercial role where your buying and category expertise will directly shape the offer of a growing convenience retailer. This is a chance to own key categories end-to-end, drive margin and volume, and influence how customers shop every day across a national store network. If you’re commercially sharp, data-led and ready to lead the agenda for your categories, this role offers real autonomy and visibility. About the Role: You will take full ownership of assigned categories, defining and delivering the category strategy to grow sales, profit and market share within a convenience retail environment. Working closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders and store operations, you will build compelling ranges, secure the best commercial terms, and ensure execution lands effectively in-store. Your decisions will directly impact customer satisfaction, competitiveness, and overall business performance. Key Responsibilities: * Develop and implement category strategies for assigned product areas, aligned to the overall convenience retail proposition and commercial objectives * Lead end-to-end buying activities, including branded & own-label, supplier selection, negotiation, contract management and ongoing performance review * Build and optimise customer-focused ranges, including NPD, delists and range resets, informed by data, shopper insight and market trends * Manage category budgets, including cost of goods, rebates, promotional spend and margin, ensuring robust budgeting and cost control * Plan and execute promotional and pricing strategies to drive sales, volume and profitability while maintaining competitive positioning * Analyse category performance, market data and competitor activity to identify opportunities, risks and required tactical actions * Collaborate with supply chain, marketing, finance and store operations to ensure effective implementation of category plans in a convenience retail environment * Prepare and present category plans, performance reviews and recommendations to senior stakeholders, influencing key commercial decisions Key Requirements: * Proven experience as a Category Manager, Buyer or similar commercial role within retail or wholesale, ideally with exposure to convenience retail * Strong track record in category management and strategic sourcing, delivering sales and margin growth * Demonstrable experience in buying and procurement, including supplier negotiations and contract management * Solid budgeting and cost control experience, with accountability for category P&L or equivalent commercial measures * Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable category plans * Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, able to work cross-functionally and drive alignment * Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset and focus on value creation and total cost of ownership * Organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple categories, projects and deadlines simultaneously Desirable Skills: * Experience working specifically with or for convenience retailers and understanding of the convenience customer mission * Knowledge of space planning, planograms and in-store merchandising principles * Experience of own-label development and managing branded vs own-label mix * Familiarity with advanced category tools and retail analytics platforms * Background in supplier relationship management and joint business planning Qualifications: * Degree-level education in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Management or a related commercial discipline, or equivalent experience * Additional training or certification in category management or commercial negotiation advantageous If you are a commercially driven category professional ready to shape the offer of a developing convenience retailer, apply now to take ownership of categories that truly influence the customer experience.

Category Manager

Category Manager

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