Category Manager (Ashford)

Brakes have a fantastic opportunity for aCategory Manager to join us on a full time, permanent basis. This role will support the development & delivery of the category plans and in-year growth targets.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Category Manager you will support the delivery of actionable category insight, range management and optimisation, and strategy development in line with Sysco GBs targets.

This role is offering remote working, however the successful candidate must be comfortable with occasional travel to meet with different suppliers and the team located in Ashford, Kent.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Use customer, market, and supplier insight for category performance analysis, supporting the senior category team with strategy development to meet in-year targets.
• Review and analyse category performance each month, working with the senior team to adapt the category strategy and marketing plan to maximise opportunities. Whilst you will be supported in this, it is important you are comfortable dealing with and analysing large datasets to understand trends and performance.
• Support in presenting category opportunities to the wider team, including sales. There will be opportunities to develop your presenting skills in front of senior audiences within the Brakes organisation.
• Be the expert and custodian of your range, providing knowledge, expertise and support to the wider merchandising team and other business functions such as supply chain and sales teams.
• Run promotions and implement intelligent pricing recommendations to protect existing business and grow new opportunities.
• Manage the life cycle of your range curating a selection of products that meet our customer needs whilst balancing the need for operational efficiency. Spot opportunities for new product development, whilst expertly managing the range tail out of the business.
• Develop strategic relationships with partner suppliers, to drive growth and support margin investment opportunities across range, promotions, and marketing plans.
• Manage the yearly marketing plan for the category, including branded supplier activation.
• Supporting corporate sustainability policy, ensuring that all opportunities for recognition with accreditation bodies are realised and supporting the transition to free-range eggs.
• Ownership of category data, ensuring internal and external facing content is accurate. e.g., the Brake.co.uk website, new product launches, discontinuations, and marketing descriptions.
• Act up and deputise for the Senior Category Manager during periods of annual leave.
• Support the marketing function at external events and trade shows across the UK.

About you:

For this role, potential is as important as experience. You may already have some knowledge of category management and market insight, or you may come from a different commercial background such as supply chain, marketing, or finance. You may be relatively early in your career or may be looking for a change and feel you have transferable skills that align to the role.

We are looking for someone who is pro-active and willing to get involved in projects across the category, supporting on the day-to-day tasks through to longer term projects. We want somebody who will enjoy dealing with different people across the business, from other departments to suppliers and customers. An analytical mindset and an interest in market data is also desirable.

What youll receive:

• A competitive salary.
• Car allowance of 5,500 per annum.
• Pension scheme.
• Single private medical healthcare cover.
• Generous holiday allowance of 25 days, with option to purchase additional holidays + bank holidays.
• Huge discounts on all sorts of lovely food and award-winning products through our staff shop.
• Discounts on Cinema tickets, shopping and earn cashback on purchases through Sodexo.
• Recognition awards and Incentives.
• Real career opportunities - being part of Sysco, the worlds leading foodservice business, opens up a world of possibility.