Category Manager

Company logo
Akzonobel
Creates paints and performance coatings for industrial, marine, automotive and consumer use worldwide.
Drive category performance and supplier relations for application & preparation products.
21 days ago ago
Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Altrincham, England, United Kingdom
Hybrid
Company Size
35,200 Employees
Service Specialisms
Surface treatment
Coatings
Paints
Construction chemicals
Marine coatings
Decorative paints
Automotive coatings
Industrial coatings
Sector Specialisms
Consumer Goods
Buildings and Infrastructure
Industrial Coatings
Automotive OEM Coatings
Aerospace Coatings
Consumer Electronics Coatings
Vehicle Refinishes
Commercial Vehicle Refinishers
Role
What you would be doing
data analysis
product optimization
promotional planning
category management
supplier negotiation
budget management
  • Analyse category performance data to identify opportunities and make informed, strategic decisions
  • Develop and optimise product ranges, ensuring the right products at the right price to meet customer needs
  • Collaborate with the wider commercial team to plan and execute cross-category promotional events both in-store and online
  • Manage the application and preparation categories, ensuring commercial performance and customer relevance
  • Lead and support range reviews, New Line Days, and key category development projects
  • Lead third-party supplier relationships, negotiating trading terms, promotional support, and cost price changes to maximise return
  • Define and deliver promotional strategies and key campaigns to drive incremental sales growth
  • Manage workload effectively, ensuring category plans are delivered on time and within budget
What you bring
ms office
strategic
project management
retail
negotiation
analytical
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills across multiple levels
  • Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
  • Able to think strategically while executing with precision
  • Strong strategic and analytical capability – able to interpret data and translate insights into action
  • Experienced category professional with a track record of delivering results in a retail or FMCG environment
  • Effective project management and prioritisation skills
  • Customer-focused and commercially driven
  • Skilled and confident negotiator with supplier management experience
Benefits
  • Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centres
  • Company pension scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • ompetitive Salary Plus Benefits
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Income protection and life assurance
  • Flexible benefits including Gymflex, dental cover, retail cards, and more
  • Product discounts
  • Competitive salary (depending on experience)
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
€10.7 billion
2023 Revenue
Reflects the company's steady financial growth over the year.
3rd Largest
Global Paint Maker
The company ranks as the third-largest paint manufacturer worldwide.
  • From early paint makers to a global coatings powerhouse, the company has a rich history dating back to 1792.
  • Projects range from residential walls to yacht hulls, aerospace components, and industrial machinery.
  • Five core businesses—decorative, automotive & specialty, industrial, marine & yacht, and powder coatings—highlight its diverse reach.
  • An unusual fact: the company produces expandable microspheres used in adhesives and aerospace composites.
  • A legacy of bold deals includes the 2008 acquisition of ICI and the establishment of its specialty chemicals arm.
Culture + Values
  • Customer focused
  • Deliver on commitments
  • Passion for performance
  • Winning together
  • Focusing on our customers’ future first
  • Embracing entrepreneurial thinking
  • Developing the talents of our people
  • The courage and curiosity to question
  • Integrity and responsibility in our actions
Environment + Sustainability
50% Carbon Reduction
Global Value Chain Target
Aims to halve carbon emissions across the entire value chain by 2030, measured from a 2018 baseline.
30% Eco-Sales
Eco-Premium Solutions
A target to generate 30% of annual sales from eco-premium solutions by 2015.
10% Carbon Footprint
Cradle-to-Gate Policy
Reduced cradle-to-gate carbon footprint by 10% per metric ton by 2015, based on a 2009 baseline.
20-25% Carbon Footprint
Cradle-to-Gate Progress
Achieved a 20-25% reduction in cradle-to-gate carbon footprint per ton by 2020, measured from a 2009 baseline.
  • Control absolute Scope 1 & 2 emissions at or below 2009 levels through efficiency and fuel mix
  • Net zero target: achieve substantial value-chain emissions reduction by 2030, with ongoing commitment to full net-zero alignment thereafter
Inclusion & Diversity
  • Recruit and manage employees fairly, based on equality of opportunity
  • Encourage personal and professional development for all employees
  • Treat people with dignity and respect and support diversity
  • Do not harass or discriminate based on culture, nationality, race, religion, gender, disability, association, sexual orientation or age
  • Focus on organizational health and fostering an inclusive environment
  • Diversity & Inclusion is integral part of sustainable people strategy
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