Category Specialist

We seek an Category Specialist to support the Category Manager in developing of the category strategy, supplier relationship management, procurement activities & market analysis.

As an Category Specialist, you will support and oversee and optimise the performance of a specific product category within our company. This includes negotiating with suppliers, leveraging their expertise to secure advantageous terms and maintaining strong supplier relationships. You will also work closely with cross-functional teams to establish optimal pricing structures and ensure competitiveness.

You will work with talented professionals, shape our product assortment and contribute to our company's success in the competitive Food Retail market. If you have a solid knowledge of market analysis and consumer behaviour with an innovative mindset, this could be your ideal career.

You'll be involved in:

• Development of the commercial model to drive growth in savings.
• Development of category strategies which maximise customer value for money and a continuous improvement structure.
•         Support Category Manager with implementing and promoting transformation programme with strong communication plan to achieve a structured and resilient supply chain.
•         Support development and implementation cost-based reduction strategies capable of delivering annual target savings.
•        Collaborate with the wider team to identify products with low demand and make recommendations.
•         Conduct research and analyse trends and customer purchasing habits.
•         Review sales data and competitor products.
•         Develop strategies and set goals for the products, including marketing plans, managing budgets and promotional events and repositioning the products.
•         Build effective supplier relationships and maintain communication.
•         Manage the inventory to ensure there are enough products to meet customer demands.
•         Consider lead times and monitor inventory levels.
•         Create pricing plans for products and liaise with supplier to reduce spend and to remain competitive.
•         Present reports to the management team highlighting any trends or issues.

•         Procurement/purchasing experience to a similar level.
•         Product development knowledge.
•         Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•         Very good negotiation skills and very confident in dealing with suppliers and customers.
•         Analytical and high levels of numeracy and literacy.
•         Able to communicate effectively at all levels.
•         Effective communication to ensure that consistently high standards are maintained throughout the stores.
•         Deals with queries in a prompt, accurate and courteous manner.
•         Maintains strong and profitable working relationships with external partners.
•         Works well in a team and possesses the ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues with regards to all relevant matters.