JOB PURPOSE
The Category Manager will be responsible for maximising Gross Margin £’s within the defined group of products or categories they are responsible for, using all levers available to increase sales and /or margin, alongside supporting development of category strategy to drive future competitive advantage and growth.
JOB CONTEXT
Halfords Autocentres are on a strong growth trajectory, with ambitions to be a £1bn business in 3 years. This role is vital to the delivery of the category strategy, reporting to the Head of Category and be a key member of the category team.
The job holder will be expected to become an expert within their area, working closely with key stakeholders to fully execute the category plan and driving profitable growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensure that the customer requirement is at the centre of the decision making process, working closely with the marketing & customer departments to fully understand customer requirements in the defined area
2. Fully understand each sub product group at a strategic level in terms of market size, competition offer, supply side dynamics, market shares, growth and trends within the market
3. Contribute to building the category plan that captures all aspects of the market, our position within it and identifies opportunities that will increase sales, profit and/or market share
4. Pro-actively seek customer feedback on our offer; take action where appropriate
5. Define the brand selection strategy within the category, ensuring that we give our customers a consistent brand offering in line with our ‘quality products’ strategy
6. Define and manage the range review process, conduct regular analysis of range performance to ensure all products & services are performing in line with expectations
7. Design and implement compelling category promotional campaigns by working closely with the marketing department and all channel owners
8. Develop the pricing strategy in the category and ensure that gross margin is maximized
9. Seek regular competitive benchmarking of price position to optimise price elasticity
10. Take positive action in terms of managing product mix to positively impact on company profit
11. Identify new products and services relevant to the category and bring to market effectively
12. Ensure that existing supplier agreements are suitable and competitive at all times by utilizing procurement and supplier management techniques
13. Implement supplier trading agreements, ensuring suppliers conform to our procurement policies such as ESG, CSR and Ethical Trading
14. Conduct regular price benchmarking or tender activities to ensure that the business is securing best possible cost prices
15. Agree and track service levels from suppliers; manage poor performance
16. Negotiate and optimize all rebate agreements within the category; pro-actively manage any growth rebates and move spend to maximize returns
PERSON SPECIFICATION
17. High level of commercial acumen
18. Previous experience of either Category Management, Procurement or Buying
19. Customer focused; skilled at identifying customer needs
20. Skilled negotiator with experience managing large and complex supplier relationships
21. Ability to manage direct reports and inspire all colleagues around them
22. Able to interact effectively with Leadership Team
23. A self-starter, with the ability to act on own initiative and identify best way forward
24. Positive attitude with a can-do spirit and ability to make things happen
25. Able to analyse and interpret large amounts of data and make fact based decisions
26. Strong engagement skills, with ability to bring key stakeholders along with them
27. Previous knowledge of automotive aftermarket or able to demonstrate an understanding of the industry