Head of Category

Job Purpose

Halfords Autocentres are on a strong growth trajectory, with ambitions to be a £1bn business in 3 years. 

The Head of Category will be responsible for maximising sales, profit, utilisation and market share within the defined group of products or categories, alongside strategic development of the area to drive future competitive advantage and growth.

The individual will be expected to become the expert and thought leader for their area, working closely with key stakeholders to identify what good looks like for customers and lead to deliver that vision. 

Key Responsibilities

Ensure that the customer is at the centre of the decision-making process, working closely with the marketing, customer, digital and field teamsFully understand each sub product group at a strategic level in terms of market size, share and trends, competitor offer and supply dynamicsProduce a strategic category plan which addresses opportunities that will increase sales, profit and market shareCreate internal and external networks to ensure that category plans have full 360 feedbackIdentify new products and services relevant to the category and bring to market effectivelyMonitor and manage ongoing trading performance of the categoriesNavigate key digital metrics across multiple websites with an understanding of how various levers affect them and work collaboratively with the Digital team to optimize each of these profitablyUpdate the business of any risks to targets and present comprehensive recovery plansDevelop an in-depth understanding of all business levers to ensure fast and effective decision-making is in place to optimise trading performanceDesign and implement a compelling category promotional and price plan by working closely with the commercial planning team and all channel ownersSeek regular competitive benchmarking of price position to optimise price elasticityEnsure all plans are driving customer numbers that match capacity. Understand the relationship between capacity and demand and pull all levers available to maximise utilizationFully understand end to end process across all categories, identifying areas of opportunity and putting in place activity, development, training or communication to address theseDefine supplier selection policy within the category; rationalize supplier base where appropriate to secure additional value. Measure and drive compliance within our network.Implement supplier trading agreements, ensuring suppliers conform to our procurement policies such as ESG, CSR and Ethical TradingConduct regular price benchmarking or tenders to ensure that the business is securing best cost prices

Key Skills/Experience

Customer at the core with a natural ability to connect with and deliver for customersHigh commercial acumen, analytical and financially robust. A keen eye for cash flow and working capital managementAble to understand, interpret, challenge and build actionable insight from complex data setsDynamic and results-driven individual with high levels of energy and commitment to delivering business objectivesHands-on, entrepreneurial approach; able to respond to fast-moving market conditions, fail fast and learn quicklyPositive attitude with a can-do spirit and ability to make things happenPrevious experience of Category ManagementCross-channel/multi-channel thinkingExecution expert with strong planning rigorPragmatic and grounded, ability to drive deliveryAbility to manage direct reports and inspire all colleagues around themStakeholder management with high collaboration /cross-functional expertise. Able to interact and influence effectively with the Leadership Team and ExecAn effective communicator with outstanding presentation skills and gravitas; articulate and persuasive, able to build strong relationships across the business at all levelsPrevious knowledge of automotive aftermarket preferable, but not compulsory

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