Category Manager - Procurement /Buying - Cork A leading player in the retail and wholesale sector is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to lead a key procurement portfolio.
Based in Cork, this is an exciting opportunity to drive category performance, shape long-term strategy, and play a pivotal role in the commercial success of a dynamic and growing business.
The Role Reporting into the senior commercial leadership team, you will be responsible for: Developing and executing robust, data-driven category strategies aimed at delivering sustainable growth in revenue, margin, market share, and customer value.
Leading the development of annual buying plans, commercial targets and budgets, and aligning with relevant trading and planning stakeholders.
Driving the commercial planning cycle, including product range planning across branded and own-label lines, ensuring alignment with the company's brand positioning and profitability goals.
Creating and embedding effective commercial processes and systems to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of category initiatives.
Supporting group-wide commercial programmes and contributing to the broader Commercial strategy.
Building and maintaining strong, long-term supplier and retailer relationships, including the development of Joint Business Plans, and driving supplier engagement through forums, visits and collaborative activities.
Leading and developing a high-performing category team, ensuring the right capabilities, resources and support are in place to meet strategic goals.
Candidate Profile We are looking for a commercially driven and people-focused individual with the following background: A minimum of 10+ years experience and minimum 5 years expereince in a senior commercial or procurement role, ideally within retail, FMCG or wholesale, managing a sizeable trading portfolio with a record of success in delivering commercial outcomes.
Strong leadership and team management experience, with a passion for developing talent and fostering high-performance cultures.
Demonstrated strategic thinking, with a structured, analytical approach to category development.
Exceptional negotiation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present confidently and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
Highly numerate, with strong skills in data interpretation and commercial analysis.
A customer-centric mindset, with a strong commitment to service and quality.
Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established, forward-thinking organisation during a time of growth and transformation.
You'll work in a supportive, commercially focused environment with the autonomy to make a tangible impact.
The role offers a competitive salary package, opportunities for career development, and the chance to help shape the future of category management within a respected industry leader.
Location: Cork, with flexible hybrid working options available.
Skills: Buying retail consumer commercial category