Category Manager - Camping, Marine and FishingThe Category Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the ranging of Camping and Fishing products within the company, encompassing comprehensive product planning, execution, and analysis throughout the entire product lifecycle. Key responsibilities include gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements to define a clear product vision that aligns with the company's overarching goals. The Category Manager collaborates closely with suppliers, sales, marketing, and support teams to execute strategies that drive revenue growth and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, they are responsible for delivering on sales and margin targets, utilizing data-driven insights to inform decisions and optimize product offerings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a blend of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to foster strong relationships across departments, ultimately driving product success and customer loyalty.Key Responsibilities:Supplier and Vendor Management:Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the best quality and cost-efficiency.Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors.Monitor supplier performance and manage supplier contracts, orders, and agreements.Product Development and Product Lifecycle Management:Oversee the product lifecycle from planning to execution.Responsible for product development for private label product and ranges that meet category and business specifications.Coordinate with internal teams to manage product development, launch, and marketing.Monitor and analyse product performance and take corrective actions, as necessary.Strategically manage brand product lifecycle and associated inventory risk, utilising promotional levers and markdown plans to meet agreed profit KPI's.Category Strategy Development:Build strategy to deliver sales and margin targets for the category in line with business goals.Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and trends within the category.Define and manage the product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.Sales and Marketing Support:Work with sales and marketing teams to develop sales strategies and promotional activities.Provide training and support to sales teams on category products.Develop and implement marketing plans to drive category growth.Customer Focus:Understand customer needs and preferences through research and feedback.Ensure the category offerings meet customer expectations and drive customer satisfaction.Develop and implement strategies to enhance the customer experience within the category.Margin Management:Strategically manage vendor relations and brand mix to deliver the optimal blend of margin and selling metrics to achieve agreed KPIs.Manage volume of tactical discounts through management of brand deals, special buys and vendor supported tactical promotions.Manage brand and OTB plan to ensure optimal mix of indent ranging, ongoing "just-in-time" spend, new ranges/brands, and opportunistic special buys.Financial Performance Management:Analyse sales data and financial metrics to measure category performance.Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and revenue growth opportunities.Strategically support Head of Planning to manage inventory by balancing to agreed weeks cover, indent local committed inventory levels as well as indent offshore development program investments.Qualifications:Experience:Minimum of 3 years of experience in category management, procurement, product management, or a related role.Proven track record of managing product categories and driving business growth.Education:Preferred Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.Skills and Competencies:Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.Excellent negotiation and communication skills.Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.Proficient in data analysis and financial management.Strong understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour.Proficiency in category management software and tools.Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.Proficient in Office 365, with advanced skills in Excel and Power BI.Working Conditions:Office-based position with occasional travel required for market research, trade shows, and supplier meetings.Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
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