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Assistant Category Manager - Building Materials, Kingston upon Hull
Client: MKM Building Supplies
Location: Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference:
Job Views:
2
Posted:
26.03.2025
Expiry Date:
10.05.2025
Job Description:
Job Title: Assistant Category Manager – Heavyside – MKM Building Supplies
Location: Hull with hybrid working as an option
Reports to: Head of Category - HBM
Job Summary: We are seeking a proactive and commercially driven Assistant Category Manager to join our dynamic category team at MKM. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing a number of product categories, focusing on deep engagement with our branch network, fostering strong supplier relationships, and driving commercial success. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker who can balance operational needs with long-term category development.
Key Responsibilities:
* Collaborate closely with our Branch Directors and their teams to understand local market needs and ensure through product and commercial agreements, our branches can be a market leader in their locality.
* Provide guidance and support to branches, to allow the most appropriate decisions to be made on a local level.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with our key suppliers, negotiating commercial terms which enhance the MKM position as a market leading growth business.
* Work with suppliers to ensure product availability at all times, understand the market and legislation changes and support joint marketing initiatives.
* Monitor supplier performance, addressing any issues promptly to maintain and future proof the MKM supply chain.
* Commercial Focus:
* Review and understand sales and margin data, market trends, and customer insights to develop and implement progressive category strategies.
* Collaborate with internal teams within central support to drive category growth, ensuring a competitive edge in the market.
* Product Management:
* Oversee the product lifecycle from selection to discontinuation, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimising aged stock.
* Lead product and range reviews to keep the category offerings relevant on a local basis and profitable.
* Coordinate with the marketing team to develop impactful campaigns that highlight key products and drive customer numbers.
* Performance Analysis and Reporting:
* Regularly review category performance, providing detailed reports and actionable insights to senior management.
* Use data-driven analysis to forecast trends, identify risks, and realise commercial opportunities within the category.
* Collaboration and Communication:
* Work cross-functionally with all teams within Central Support, including Marketing, Digital, Finance and Trading Support.
* Communicate category plans and actions effectively across the business, ensuring local branch needs are recognised and met.
Key Skills & Experience:
* Experience: Proven experience in a similar role within a builder’s merchant or related sector.
* Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial principles, with a track record of driving category profitability.
* Supplier Negotiation: Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to foster long-term, beneficial relationships with suppliers.
* Branch Network Understanding: Experience working closely with branch networks, understanding their operational needs and challenges.
* Analytical Skills: Proficiency in understanding market and category data to inform future decision making and supporting our branches to make the appropriate decisions for their local market.
* Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement effective category strategies that align with the wider MKM business objectives.
In return, you can be a part of the UK’s largest independent Builders Merchant and winner of many industry awards. Some of the benefits we offer include:
* A competitive pay package.
* Performance related bonus.
* People orientated culture.
* Training and development opportunities.
* Holiday scheme which rewards length of service.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Free parking.
* Enhanced Maternity.
* Enhanced Paternity.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Mental Health Support.
MKM is the leading independent builders’ merchant in the UK, and we were established in 1995.
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