The Person:

Degree in Marketing or Supply Chain
Minimum 10 yearsâ experience working in category procurement and trading across the hardware, tools, plumbware, electrical and DIY categories
Deep knowledge and understanding of the retail supply and demand dynamics in the applicable sub-categories
Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies and plans that drive category and retailer profitability growth
High degree of confidentiality, emotional maturity, ethical values and integrity
Strong supplier partnership skills and customer orientation
Excellent coordination and team skills to support effective execution and market share growth
Proven problem-solving capability in a fast-moving and dynamic setting, apply good judgement and responsiveness to emergent challenges
Strong presentation skills
Strong negotiation skills
Sound business and financial acumen
Quality orientated and self-driven to achieve results

The Job:

Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy that aligns with the overall Merchandise strategy and Group business goals
Establish category growth priorities and determine private label opportunities and targets with the category
Work with Data Insights specialists to establish competitive market trends, performance gaps and opportunities
Foster strong, collaborative, and strategic partnerships with key national suppliers based on clear category growth strategies and plans
Work closely with suppliers in joint business planning processes that review key performance indicators and agree actions
Identify and address potential risks such as supply chain disruptions, quality issues, and capacity constraints
Pricing policy leadership for the category
Develop a category promotional strategy and plan to drive sales and increase market share
Engage with Regional Merchandise Teams, Operations and Sales Teams on category strategies and plans, confirming regional focus
Responsible for Regional and National Supplier Trade Agreements and approvals
Visit national suppliersâ factories to ensure the capability of providing the right quality products and effective services levels to retailers
Negotiate and achieve budgeted dropshipment and retail gross profits
Build high performance, professional category communities with regular reviews and input to support execution on agreed actions
Analyse sales data and market trends plus retailer and customer feedback to assess category performance on an ongoing basis
Initiate âkiller dealsâ to improve volumes and show leadership to retailers regarding preferred suppliers
Provide product ranging leadership for existing and new stores
Investigate and provide competitive international supplier solutions