About the role Reporting to: Director of Trading Based : Equity House We have an exciting opportunity within our Grocery Team We are looking to recruit a permanent Lead Category Manager role which will be based out of our Wellingborough office. Within this role you will maximise the profitability of specified product categories, improving customer satisfaction, and cash profit. The role of a Lead Category Manager is to develop a high performing category team, using effective leadership, communication, engagement, whilst maintaining and improving the Growth of Own Brand business. Role Responsibility Development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability. Developing strategic plans for the categories and working with the team to deliver these. Leadership of the category team, manage performance, encouraging team development and supporting Booker in ‘Making Everyone Welcome’ and A Place to Get On’. Supporting the development of colleagues within your team to enable them to reach their potential. Growth of own brand business, sourcing as appropriate to grow sales and margins. Annual negotiation with suppliers to ensure competitive terms year on year and coaching team where appropriate. Seeking and reacting to customer feedback at every opportunity, shaping the category plan, whilst linking to the sell plan and customer satisfaction. Communicating category plans and objectives for relevant product categories, ensuring understanding and buy-in is achieved from stakeholders. Working as part of the senior team to identify opportunities and develop or improve ways of working. Working with Finance on forecasting for relevant categories. Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion. You will need Operational skills relevant for this job Exceptional communication & stakeholder management. Be able to work independently, to problem solve and make commercial decisions. Attention to detail, writing of reports, interpreting data and keeping of accurate records. Maintain knowledge of relevant markets and market developments. Ability to flex work approach. Experience relevant for this job: Extensive experience in working in FMG and heading up a buying team. Have a proven record of working autonomously. Have previous experience of category management. Whats in it for you At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits: A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year. After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases. 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year. Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply. Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses. 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy. Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme. After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount. Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution. Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family. A great holiday package About The Company Be part of something special. Join our team at Booker. Booker is the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. Booker Group comprises of Booker Wholesale, Makro, Booker Direct, Classic Drinks, Ritter Courivaud and Chef Direct. Our customers include Premier, Family Shopper, Budgens and Londis retailers and we have one shared aim - improving choice, price and service for all our customers. Our business is incredibly diverse, so it takes a wide range of skills to deliver the exceptional service our customers require. Wherever you join us, you’ll be part of an organisation that will help your career to keep moving forward. Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco