Category Manager

Our client, a well-established supplier of high-quality hardware products in Ireland for over 70 years, offers paints, decorating supplies, security solutions, and homecare products to the retail market. Serving hardware stores, co-ops, wholesalers, and locksmiths, they have earned a reputation for excellence with various proprietary brands. They are expanding and seeking a skilled Category Manager to join their team at their Cork office.

The role is ideal for professionals with retail hardware experience. The Category Manager will shape and execute strategies to optimise the product portfolio, engage customers, and enhance market presence, including market analysis, supplier management, and promotional activities.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5 

Contract: Fulltime Permanent

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy Development:

• Use market insights and analysis to identify growth opportunities and drive category innovation. Develop and implement category strategies that align with organizational goals, boost sales, optimise margins, and manage costs effectively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with sales teams to ensure alignment on category strategies and sales activities. Collaborate with finance teams to analyse category performance, forecast sales, and manage budgets. Coordinate with Operations teams to optimise inventory and ensure timely product delivery. Proactively address cross-functional issues and focus on value-added initiatives.

Market Insight:

• Monitor market trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape to identify opportunities and risks, informing portfolio decisions and strategies.

Category Performance:

• Track and analyse category performance using data-driven insights to monitor sales, margins, and costs. Identify areas for improvement and collaborate with teams to optimise category performance.

Range & Assortment:

• Drive strategy and innovation within assigned categories, focusing on optimizing product assortment and inventory management. Work with suppliers to curate a diverse, high-quality product range that aligns with customer preferences.

Pricing:

• Develop and implement dynamic pricing strategies based on market trends and competition. Monitor pricing trends to establish optimal pricing structures.

Promotions:

• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop and execute promotional campaigns. Lead promotional activities to drive sales and enhance customer engagement, negotiating terms with suppliers and refining strategies based on results.

Procurement:

• Develop procurement strategies focused on cost-efficiency and contingency requirements. Manage supplier negotiations to secure favorable terms and achieve cost savings.

Inventory:

• Implement strategies to optimise inventory, balancing customer demand with cost considerations.

Supplier Management:

• Create supplier strategies that align with category goals and foster mutually beneficial relationships. Introduce exclusive product ranges and build strategic supplier partnerships to enhance category performance.

Customer Engagement:

• Develop strategies to understand customer needs and preferences, using insights to improve the shopping experience. Lead initiatives to drive customer engagement and collaborate with sales teams to implement customer-centric initiatives and support category growth.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of proven experience in category management, preferably within wholesale or retail.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish market dynamics, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Results-oriented, with a focus on driving growth and achieving targets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package
• Permanent role
• Digital Wellbeing Platform
• Pension contributions
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• Further education support
• On-site parking

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