Category Manager

4734703
  • Job type

    Permanent
  • Location

    Castleford
  • Working Pattern

    Flexible Working,Full-time
  • Specialism

    Procurement
  • Industry

    Supply Chain & Logistics
  • Pay

    Competitive Salary & Benefits package

Category Manager | £Competitive | Full-Time, Permanent | Castleford

Your new company
My client is a market-leading UK distributor of business supplies and services, operating across multiple channels with a strong logistics network and a portfolio of well-established brands. With a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, they deliver essential goods to workplaces nationwide and are known for their dynamic, forward-thinking culture.

Your new role
As Category Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the own-label product portfolio. This is a strategic and hands-on position where you’ll lead category development, manage the full product lifecycle, and collaborate across departments to bring innovative, commercially successful products to market.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Developing and executing strategic category plans to drive growth.
  • Leading product development from concept to launch across multiple own-label brands.
  • Conducting market and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities.
  • Collaborating with marketing to build compelling brand propositions.
  • Managing supplier relationships and negotiating costs, timelines, and quality.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety, legal, and brand standards.
  • Approving samples, packaging, and production sign-offs.
  • Working cross-functionally with Procurement, Product Management, and Marketing teams.

What you'll need to succeed
  • Proven experience in category management, product development, or buying—ideally within own/private label.
  • Strong commercial acumen and a creative eye for product innovation.
  • Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Knowledge of sourcing, manufacturing, and compliance standards.
  • Exceptional organisational and project management abilities.
  • Willingness to travel nationally and internationally (approx. 5%).
  • Expertise in category and product range development.
  • Strong presentation and stakeholder influencing skills.
  • Understanding of supply chain dynamics and responsible procurement.

What you'll get in return
  • The opportunity to shape a high-growth product category within a leading organisation.
  • A collaborative, fast-paced environment where innovation is encouraged.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Career development opportunities and exposure to a wide network of industry professionals.
  • Flexible working options available.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Apply for this job

Talk to Garry Walker, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Leeds, Part 6th Floor, Broad Gate, The HeadrowTelephone 01472330132
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