The Category Manager Role
We are seeking a skilled and experienced Category Manager to join our operations.
This is a full-time, permanent, office-based position based in Cork.
As the Category Manager, you will be responsible for market analysis, supplier management, product planning, pricing & promotions while driving strategic initiatives to optimise the product portfolio and enhance customer engagement.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement category strategies that align with organisational objectives, driving sales, optimising margins, and managing costs.
* Leverage market insights, consumer behaviour data, and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and mitigate risks, informing portfolio decisions and innovation.
* Work closely with sales, finance, and operations teams to ensure alignment on category strategies, manage budgets, optimise inventory, and proactively resolve cross-functional challenges.
* Monitor and analyse performance metrics such as sales, margins, and costs, using data to track progress, forecast trends, and identify areas for improvement.
* Drive range strategies by curating diverse, high-quality product assortments in collaboration with suppliers to meet customer preferences and market demands.
* Develop and refine pricing strategies based on market trends and competitive positioning, ensuring optimal price points to maximise value.
* Collaborate with marketing teams to design and execute effective promotional campaigns, negotiate terms with suppliers, and measure performance for continuous improvement.
* Build strong supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, manage procurement processes, and introduce exclusive product ranges to enhance category performance.
* Implement strategies to balance customer demand with cost efficiency, ensuring inventory levels are optimised for availability and profitability.
* Leverage customer insights to understand preferences, enhance the shopping experience, and drive customer engagement through innovative category initiatives.
Requirements
* A minimum of 5 – 10 years experience in category management ideally within retail or wholesale.
* Experience as a Category Manager within the Irish market is essential.
* A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related field.
* Excellent knowledge of Irish market dynamics, consumer behaviour and the competitive landscape.
* Strong negotiation and communication skills, adept at fostering robust relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
* Results-driven mindset, committed to achieving targets and driving sustainable, profitable growth.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for advanced data analysis and reporting.