Category Manager/ Buyer

Overview of the role:

The Jobholder will be responsible for supporting the Head of Commercial with the development of the Health & Lifestyle Category to maximize sales and gross margin objectives while managing inventory objectives for specific brands. Develops strategic objectives to ensure long-term sustained growth across all markets.

What you will do:

• Develop implement and deliver category plans including range reviews, promotions pricing and stock that are consistent with overall commercial strategy and financial objectives.

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop and implement marketing promotion plans and strategies relevant to the category; adhere to legislation and brand guidelines’; and clearly and effectively communicate with the customer, driving footfall and profitable sales.

• Review and evaluate the effectiveness of promotions, taking appropriate action where necessary, and sharing best practices with peers and other stakeholders.

• Work with Exclusive Brands to develop and deliver exclusive products/ranges that deliver increased participation and meet agreed strategy and plans.

• Working in partnership with the planning team, agree on a merchandising strategy that drives and delivers the right range in the right store; ensures availability in the store; and controls of slow-moving stock.

• Identify and implement new product opportunities that are competitively priced, commercially viable and meet customer needs, driving sales and profitability.

• Manage and review pricing, ensuring pricing that is competitive and maximizes profitability. Operate within the Company pricing strategy.

• Working in conjunction with the Planning team to ensure base sales and promotional forecasts are adhered to, whilst maintaining in-store availability to meet the customer’s needs.

• Develop effective internal working relationships with cross functional team members to support and enhance category objectives and performance

• Develop build and maintain effective external relationships to enhance the Watsons proposition and meet customer needs.

• Adopt appropriate negotiation strategies to attain the best terms for the category and the business.
• Category expert – utilise and continually develop knowledge in category products, competitors and market activity to deliver increased category performance objectives.