The Role My client, a leading wholesaler is urgently seeking a skilled and experienced Category Manager to join their operations.
This is a full-time, permanent, office-based position based in their Cork offices.
As the Category Manager, you will be responsible for market analysis, supplier management, product planning, pricing & promotions while driving strategic initiatives to optimise the product portfolio and enhance customer engagement.
Task & Duties Develop and implement category strategies that align with organisational objectives, driving sales, optimising margins, and managing costs.
Leverage market insights, consumer behaviour data, and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and mitigate risks, informing portfolio decisions and innovation.
Work closely with sales, finance, and operations teams to ensure alignment on category strategies, manage budgets, optimise inventory, and proactively resolve cross-functional challenges.
Monitor and analyse performance metrics such as sales, margins, and costs, using data to track progress, forecast trends, and identify areas for improvement.
Drive range strategies by curating diverse, high-quality product assortments in collaboration with suppliers to meet customer preferences and market demands.
Develop and refine pricing strategies based on market trends and competitive positioning, ensuring optimal price points to maximise value.
Collaborate with marketing teams to design and execute effective promotional campaigns, negotiate terms with suppliers, and measure performance for continuous improvement.
Build strong supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, manage procurement processes, and introduce exclusive product ranges to enhance category performance.
Implement strategies to balance customer demand with cost efficiency, ensuring inventory levels are optimised for availability and profitability.
Leverage customer insights to understand preferences, enhance the shopping experience, and drive customer engagement through innovative category initiatives.
Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications A minimum of 5 - 10 years experience in category management ideally within retail or wholesale.
Experience as a Category Manager within the Irish market is essential.
A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related field.
Excellent knowledge of Irish market dynamics, consumer behaviour and the competitive landscape.
Strong negotiation and communication skills, adept at fostering robust relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Results-driven mindset, committed to achieving targets and driving sustainable, profitable growth.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for advanced data analysis and reporting.
For further information please contact Sabrina Carroll on Skills: category manager wholesale retail analysis strategy budgets supplier management