Commercial Category Development Manager

Overview

Lead strategy, trading, sourcing and growth of a new renewable product category.

Key Responsibilities

• category planning
• budget management
• supplier negotiation
• cost management
• market analysis
• project management

Tasks

Deliver a customer focussed proposition. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver the optimum balance of quality and value that aligns with the Wickes brand proposition. Develop and build category plans, to deliver market share growth, informed by internal and external insight to maximise commercial position and provide the best customer proposition. Monthly /annual tracking of supplier TA and Rebate contribution to ensure we can deliver budgeted expectations to manage any over or under delivery that can impact year end outturn. Deliver or exceed budgeted sales and margin whilst maintaining or growing market share. Development of Customer Product Offer Use Trade planning process to drive promotional plans to drive customer volume online and in store, ensuring we have supplier support to deliver margin investment Identify and execute opportunities for joint ventures, alliances or pilot programs Build profitable supplier partnership to develop market position. Analysing category performance data to inform in-season trading and future propositional development, and take corrective action where necessary. Ensure cost effective exit of stock from the business Effective cross functional / business matrix relationship management to ensure category delivers on budget (retail ops, marketing, logistics, external suppliers) Management of retail pricing ensuring its within company policy Accurate management of cost and retail price Building category budget for sales and margin and re-forecasting throughout the year Managing SKU level cost and retail price in line with pricing and promotional strategy Coordinate and support of market analysis , identifying growth opportunities and forecast demand trends. Develop a clear, customer-focused category strategy to build and establish entry into the renewable market, aiming for sales and profit growth over a three-year period. Project manage the entry into a renewable category to maximise sales and profit, this will include: sourcing new products and managing cross functional stakeholders Drive sales and profit through an activity plan including promotion, advertising and PR in alignment with the framework set by Marketing, Direct Channels and Operations Departments. Translate market insight into actionable development plans Deliver margin improvements through trading terms negotiation, group synergy projects, direct sourcing and value chain analysis. Build the category road map to drive innovation , competitiveness and profitability. Develop high performing business partnerships with key suppliers, manufacturers and technology partners to maximise business opportunity. Stay updated on renewable energy trends, policies, incentives and emerging technologies in order to be sector champion Ensure that all necessary admin procedures such as sales and margin reporting are completed. Annual review and negotiation of all supplier trading terms ensuring they are aligned with commercial goals and documented in Enable Deal Track (complexity drives who does this - could be Cat D or Cat M for example) Day to day management of cost file and ensuring our cost file enables us to deliver the budget and margin rate Develop a clear sourcing strategy to ensure the supply of quality products that meet the customer need through the most efficient route to market.

Requirements

• excel
• analytics
• commercial acumen
• resilience
• negotiation
• ownership

What You Bring

Ability to takes ownership for actions and managing workload Able to work at pace Driving engagement with the category and its plans; be a visible ambassador/champion of your category, driving understanding through the business Moderate Excel or google sheets skills Ability to use analytical skills to draw insight to drive actions Commercial acumen Resilience under pressure Good interpersonal skills and strong negotiation skills

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Benefits

You’ll work from our Support Centre in Watford, where our Commercial team are based, along with our other support functions. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working. Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. Colleague discount Competitive bonus Enhanced contributory pension scheme Save-as-you-earn scheme Private Medical and Life Assurance Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We also have an early careers network to support you if you’re in your first few years of your career.

About Wickes

-a trusted name in the UK home improvement industry. -specializes in providing DIY products, tools, and materials for both homeowners and professionals. -known for a wide range of building materials, from timber to plumbing supplies, supporting various residential and commercial projects. -has a strong presence in the retail sector, focusing on convenience and accessible home improvement solutions. -This includes advice, online ordering, and delivery services. -has grown significantly and operates numerous locations across the UK. -evolved into a key player in the UK retail space for DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors. -offers tools, appliances, and building products tailored for both large-scale and small home improvement tasks. -stands out by serving both the DIY and professional markets effectively in a competitive industry.

Sector Specialisms