Job Description
Category Manager Role
As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing relationships in a dynamic supply base and sourcing, negotiating, and managing the inventory of product categories to ensure we have the best product range to meet our customers' needs.
You will lead supplier negotiations and build long-term relationships with those suppliers. Your goal is to ensure the most cost-effective supply chain to meet our customers' service level requirements and delivery supports operational efficiency.
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Required Skills and Qualifications
* Proven experience (3+ years) in buying, procurement or within the Building Materials Industry or a similar role would be advantageous.
* Ideally have knowledge of construction materials, industry regulations, and market trends.
* Proficiency in using category management software tools.
* Excellent Microsoft Office and presentation skills.
* Proficiency in Excel especially.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced and diverse organisation.
* Strategic planning and project management.
Key Responsibilities:
* Build long-term supplier relationships, improving the trading position in a sustainable way.
* Support our sales team and Chadwicks branch sales staff with the sourcing of material in a timely manner.
* Regularly review stock levels across multiple locations to ensure sufficient stock is available to meet expected demand while allowing for unexpected supply chain issues that can arise.
* Optimizing inventory levels to align with company policy.
* Update staff on expected delivery dates and manage stock deliveries from ports to branches.
* Lead or support complex negotiations with key suppliers.
* Challenge the team continually to create a range of customer value versus our competitors and ensure no product gaps while optimizing sales and margin.
* Ensuring price is competitive and profitable.
* Ensuring the range and trade plans are delivered, safeguarding adherence to the critical path.
* Review new product developments, meet with suppliers, and build long-term relationships.
* Forecasting and managing budgets effectively, always being cost-conscious.
* Work with logistics to manage on-time delivery of product to the various business units.
* Design and implement new product production outside of Ireland and manage the inbound supply chain.
* Attend trade shows and industry events to stay updated on market trends and opportunity to work in international markets sourcing new products identifying new product trends.
* Support the category strategy review process and strategic change programmes and translate into clear plans for the Category Team to drive category growth.