Category Manager

We’re looking for a Category Manager to join our team. You’ll be responsible for the end‑to‑end management of one of our categories, including security and hardware. This will include sourcing the right range of products from current and new suppliers through to pricing and promotion to maximise consumer appeal. Supplier management and working closely with internal stakeholders will be key parts of the role. The goal is to increase sales and profitability of the business to drive sustainable growth. You’ll have extensive experience in understanding consumer needs and the retail environment, a commercial mindset, and full comprehension of marketing and sales principles. Exceptional communication skills are also key for this role. What you’ll be doing: Product Strategy Set a clear and customer‑focused category strategy to deliver growth in sales and profit. Develop and build a category plan to deliver market‑share growth, informed by internal and external insight to maximise commercial position and provide the best customer proposition. Trading management (delivering the plan and numbers) Drive sales and profit through an activity plan including promotion, advertising and PR in alignment with the framework set by Marketing, Direct Channels, and Operations Departments. Manage SKU‑level cost and retail price in line with pricing and promotional strategy. Deliver or exceed budgeted sales and margin whilst maintaining or growing market share. Supply & Sourcing Build profitable supplier partnerships to develop market position. Develop a clear sourcing strategy to ensure the supply of quality products that meet customer needs through the most efficient route to market. Develop high‑performing business partnerships with key suppliers to maximise business opportunity. Manage supplier base to ensure that they meet all of our requirements using supplier KRA’s and 100% availability. Leadership & Team Development Develop and lead direct reports to ensure individual growth and maximize potential. Drive engagement with the category and its plans; be a visible ambassador/champion of your category, driving understanding through the business. What we’re looking for: You’ll be experienced in a category management or buying role having developed and executed a category strategy and have demonstrated excellent communication and analytical skills. As well as this you’ll: Be motivated to achieve targets/deadlines. Have excellent attention‑to‑detail, planning, and organisation skills. Possess strong project management skills. Have experience managing a team. What can we offer you? You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes: Competitive bonus Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme Private Medical and Life Assurance Contributory pension scheme Colleague discount Discount platform including savings and cash‑back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle‑to‑work scheme Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. You’ll work from our Support Centre in Watford, where our Commercial team are based, along with our other support functions. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working. About Us: Wickes is a multi‑channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in the industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is the Wickes’ culture that is considered its best‑kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down‑to‑earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home. Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr