Head of Category Leader

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to lead our Category team as the Head of Category. This is a key role within our organization, responsible for driving commercial strategy and growth in our Mechanical Power Transmission, Bearings, and Linear categories.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy for the category, including defining the category proposition, setting and executing promotion strategy, and driving procurement.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for product management, strategic procurement, and business development.
• Manage the development and capabilities of category team members.
• Own the Mechanical Power Transmission, Bearings, and Linear P&L and drive actions to manage and improve it.
• Define core suppliers and brands.
• Define product assortment.
• Define sell-out price strategy.
• Gather and provide market intelligence.
• Establish relationships with suppliers.
• Drive product innovation within existing offerings.
• Ideate and implement sales initiatives, such as campaigns, training, and sales enablers.
• Drive category sell-out and reach expected levels of stock turn.
• Support quotes, tenders, and special projects.
• Identify opportunities for cross-sell, OEM conversion, and value creation.
• Address overall product queries from the sales network and customers.
• Continuously review industry/market trends and developments to ensure the category strategy is current and driving business growth.
• Keep up to date with category knowledge, products, and applications.
• Ensure management of supplier and product data end to end.
• Lead strong relationships with relevant suppliers.
• Manage and establish standardized contract frameworks and T&Cs.
• Own commercial terms with suppliers, including rebates and price support.

This role will report into the UK Commercial Director and will have key stakeholders across the organization, including the UK CEO, UK COO, UK CFO, Category Director, Key Account Team, Sales and Regional Network, Suppliers, Customers, Group Commercial Director, Pricing, Digital and Marketing, Supply Chain, and Logistics.

• Excellent technical knowledge of the Mechanical Power Transmission, Bearings, and Linear category, products, and applications.
• Understanding of the industry, markets, trends, and developments.
• Understanding of different suppliers in the categories and main characteristics/differences.
• Ability to set and implement product strategy.
• Ability to liaise with different stakeholders in the organization.
• Ability to liaise with suppliers and customers stakeholders at a senior level.
• Budgeting and financial management.
• Ability to manage a P&L and drive sales & margin.
• Data management and analysis.

We offer a highly competitive base salary, car or car allowance, pension scheme, and hybrid working. We also provide flexible working, industry-leading training through the Rubix Academy, leadership opportunities, and mentoring.

We are a leading industrial distribution company with a presence in 22 markets and sales of €3.15bn in 2023. We have a strong commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and employee development. We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a barrier-free recruitment process.