Job Title: Plumbing and Heating Category Manager
Location: Central Support – Hull with hybrid working
Reports To: Head of Category - Lightside
About the Role: We're on the lookout for a motivated and results-oriented Plumbing and Heating Category Manager to join our team. In this key role, you’ll be the driving force behind the success of our Plumbing and Heating category across our branch network. Your focus will be on securing great deals with suppliers, sharing your product knowledge, and helping our branches deliver top-notch solutions to our customers.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Category Management:
- Craft and execute a winning strategy for the Plumbing and Heating category that aligns with our business goals.
- Keep a close eye on category performance, spotting opportunities for growth, efficiency, and increased profitability.
- Make sure our product range stays competitive, relevant, and in tune with market trends and customer needs.
- Track and report on key metrics like sales, margins, and stock levels.
- Supplier Management & Negotiation:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with both existing and potential suppliers.
- Negotiate better trading agreements to get favorable terms, rebates, and exclusive deals.
- Keep suppliers performing at their best through effective contract management and regular reviews.
- Partner with suppliers to bring in innovative product solutions and run promotional activities.
- Supporting Our Branches:
- Be the go-to person for branch directors and staff when it comes to the Plumbing and Heating category.
- Offer training and guidance to branch teams on product knowledge, market dynamics, and new technologies.
- Work closely with branches to understand local market demands and adjust the product offering as needed.
- Help branches hit their sales targets by creating and implementing promotional strategies and campaigns.
- Product Expertise & Innovation:
- Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, regulations, and technological advancements in Plumbing and Heating.
- Identify and introduce new products and solutions that meet customer needs and boost category growth.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop engaging product literature, promotional materials, and digital content.
- Share insights and recommendations on potential new suppliers, product ranges, and market opportunities.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience:
- Proven experience in category management, ideally in the Plumbing and Heating sector or related industries.
- Strong commercial sense with a history of delivering profitable growth.
- Experience in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
- Skills:
- Deep knowledge of Plumbing and Heating products, market trends, and what customers are looking for.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence people at all levels.
- Strong analytical skills, capable of interpreting data to make informed decisions.
- Ability to work independently, juggle multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with ERP or procurement systems.
- Personal Traits:
- Results-driven with a proactive and flexible approach.
- A team player who enjoys collaborating with others.
- Customer-focused with a passion for delivering excellent service.
Benefits
In return, you can be a part of the UK’s largest independent Builders Merchant and winner of many industry awards. Some of the benefits we offer include:
- A competitive pay package.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Performance related bonus
- People orientated culture.
- Substantial staff discounts.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Holiday scheme which rewards length of service.
- Perkbox discounts
- Contributory pension scheme
- Performance related bonus
- Financial Planning Support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Enhanced Maternity
- Enhanced Paternity
- Substantial Employee Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health Support
MKM is the leading independent builders’ merchant in the UK, and we were established in 1995. Our people are what make us unique in what we do. Today we have more than 128 branches and over 3000 employees nationwide. Whilst we continue to grow, we are constantly striving to always attract, recruit, retain, promote, and support a diverse mix of colleagues that create a sense of belonging to the ‘MKM family’ for everyone. We hope you will join us on our journey!