Product Category Manager

About The Role
- **Role Title**
- Product Category Manager._
- **Reports to**
Head of Product Development.
- _
- **Based**
- Tamworth_
- **Purpose of the Role**_
- Develop then deliver the company’s consumables strategy including innovation, sustainability, product identification, procurement, pricing, and supply routes to customers. _
- Ensure a “joined up” approach to the consumables strategy across PHS, working closely and collaboratively within the product development team and with thesales, operations, procurement, and marketing teams._
- **Principal Accountabilities**_
- Develop the company’s consumables strategy - what is the business asking for, what do customers want and need, and how should PHS provide it to them, including a clear approach to chemicals, paper & ancillaries._
- Develop the Company’s Innovation and Sustainability Strategies for consumables - ensuring these deliver profitable growth and are used as a strong “sales tool”._
- Identify the products which meet customer requirements, and which can be sold profitably to PHS customers as part of a contracted service, or as a one-off purchase._
- Develop and share a constant view and understanding of the market including, size, growth areas with a view on the competitor landscape._
- Present business cases for new products and material changes to existing products to the Product Steering Group, using the Group as a forum for debate rather than a “sign off” process. Ensure accurate briefs and full ROI._
- Build and operate a Category Management process that delivers consumables on time, to specification and in budget, from concept to customer testing, launch, and ongoing evaluation._
- Develop and maintain strong and collaborative working relationships with colleagues across PHS - specifically but not limited to the sales, operations, procurement and marketing teams._
- Build and maintain excellent relationships with manufacturers and distributors to ensure PHS has influence in product development and early sight of new products and services._
- Work with manufacturers and distributors (and with the Group Head of Procurement) to procure suitable products for sale to customers._
- Work with the Group Head of Procurement and the Warehouse and Distribution Manager to ensure robust supply chain arrangements are put in place and maintained._
- Work with the Head of Pricing and Sales Leaders to establish and deliver a pricing framework which allows PHS to sell its products profitably and to adapt to changing market conditions (including inflation)_
- Work with the Group Head of Marketing to effectively launch new products both traditionally and through digital channels_
- Have a very good understanding of the technical aspects of the consumable industry, and turn technical information into features and benefits which sales professionals and customers will understand and appreciate._
- With the Commercial Sales teams, identify new opportunities for both existing and new products._
- Measure customer satisfaction and address concerns._
- Identify current and emerging risks (competition, product, supply, pricing, legislation, or regulation) and implement plans to address them effectively._
- Maintain a deep understanding of the consumables market and share skills and knowledge with colleagues through regular and ad hoc communication, briefing and training._
- Work collaboratively with Bidvest to share knowledge and experience and maximise opportunities and benefits across the Group._
- **Skills and Experience**_
- Strong technical knowledge/background._
- Success as a senior category professional in the consumables business._
- Likely to have worked for a consumables distributor._
- Will be able to demonstrate a strong and constructive relationship with manufacturers._
- Sound understanding of procurement and pricing - but able to work collaboratively with Purchasing and Pricing professionals._
- **Personal Characteristics**_
- A strong team player, who contributes in all areas of the business and can work collaboratively across functions. An effective and successful relationship builder at all levels._
- Naturally innovative and creative with an ability to spot opportunities in the market._
- Self-starter with high energy levels and the ability to get things done._
- Takes responsibility, and has a determination to drive and deliver outstanding results able to motivate others to do so._
- Strong analytical skills, and good judgement, enabling robust problem solving and decision making._
- Excellent planning and organisational skills._
- A compelling and engaging communicator._
- Thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment._
- Ability to work at pace and deliver high quality results._
- Continuous improvement mindset, always spotting opportunities for how to do things better, simpler, faster._
- Curious mind, constantly looking for new and innovative developments in the market._