Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager Somerset Hybrid

Are you a commercially sharp, people-focused Category leader ready to take ownership of a high-impact, growth-driving category?

This is a brilliant opportunity to join our client at their Head Office in Somerset, leading a strategically significant category that sits right at the heart of the business's future growth ambitions.

Reporting to the Director of Trading, you'll have full P&L accountability and the platform to shape, influence and elevate a powerhouse category across the organisation.

The Opportunity

As Senior Category Manager, you'll:

• Own and evolve the category strategy, aligning it to wider business objectives and market opportunity
• Lead at Board and Senior Leadership level, presenting performance, risks and growth plans with confidence
• Drive sustainable sales, margin and working capital performance
• Build and nurture strong supplier partnerships, negotiating best-in-class commercial terms
• Champion innovation - from new product introduction to phasing out underperforming SKUs
• Collaborate cross-functionally across Trading, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance and Digital
• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing team, creating a culture of accountability, agility and excellence

You'll deputise for the Director of Trading when required and play a key role within the wider Trading leadership team.

What We're Looking For

You'll likely be operating as a Senior Buyer, Category Manager or similar within a retail environment, with:

• A proven track record of delivering category growth
• Strong commercial acumen and full P&L management experience
• Excellent supplier negotiation and influencing skills
• Advanced financial and analytical capability
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• The ability to translate strategy into clear, focused action
• Experience with digital tools, data analytics and modern procurement platforms would be highly advantageous.

Why Join?

Beyond the opportunity to truly shape a category and influence at senior level, the benefits package is exceptional:

• 33 days' holiday (including bank holidays, with 5 flexible days)
• Hybrid working
• Discretionary bonus
• Company car car allowance
• Private medical cover (individual and family options)
• 20% discount
• Enhanced family leave
• EV scheme
• Share save scheme and award-winning Pension
• In-house training and development opportunities

This is a role for a commercially driven, strategic thinker who thrives on ownership, influence and leading from the front. If you're ready to take your category leadership to the next level within a fast-paced, ambitious retail environment, I'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch for a confidential conversation.

BH35647