Category Manager

  • Ironmongery Direct
  • Apr 15, 2026
Full time Retail

Job Description

About Us

At IronmongeryDirect, we've been a trusted name in architectural ironmongery for over 50 years. What started as a traditional ironmongery shop has since grown into the UK's leading direct supplier, delivering thousands of parcels each week. With a vast range of over 18,000 high-quality products available for next-day delivery, we're the reliable choice for tradespeople who value efficiency, expert advice, and top-tier service. If you're looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company that's built on a foundation of trust and excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality & Leisure 2025 by Great Place to Work , a reflection of the positive feedback from our own people and our commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience.

About the Role

This role is responsible for the product introduction, maintenance, and development of the specific product ranges to meet the needs of our target customers. This includes managing the products through the product life cycle, researching and identifying products and customer requirements. Defining the product vision, and working in partnership with our supply chain team and external suppliers.

Different to many corporate structures, this role includes the management and development of junior members of the team and working closely with our digital, Customer service , marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure revenue profitability and customer satisfaction targets are met, the role reporting directly to the department manager ensures lengthy sign off processes are avoided and speed of delivery is fundamental for this role.

About the Accountabilities

Deliver the relevant budgeted sales and margin contribution for the relevant product areas

Ensure clear development plans are in place and day to day management of any direct reports including regular 1 to 1's and appraisals

Define the product strategy and roadmap for relevant product areas

Present business cases for product range developments

Introduce new product ranges within the given timescales

Develop the core positioning and messaging for products and categories

Source new product ranges

Negotiate terms and cost pricing with suppliers

Merchandise products through the catalogue and web site to achieve maximum product performance

Conduct product range reviews to increase profitability and efficiency of the product range

Monitor, analyse and report product range performance statistics making appropriate recommendations and actions to maximise performance

Utilise Google Analytics and work with the Digital team to implement actions to improve conversion rates

Apply clear and competitive pricing principles to each range ensuring a clear hierarchy that achieves profitability targets

Develop sales tools for the Contact Centre

Work with the marketing department to develop product launch and product marketing plans

Develop product management workflow and processes

About You - Essential

Commercial & Category proven experience within the same or equivalent role

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent teamwork skills

Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams

Strong negotiations skills and experience managing supplier relationships

Strong awareness of competitors, pricing strategies and market trends

Ability to oversee and manage the workload of direct reports

Strong ability to analyse data, draw conclusions and set strategic actions

About You - Desirable

Industry & Technical Product knowledge

E-commerce & Digital Experience of trading product in an omnichannel environment

Project & Change management experience & ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

About the Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public Bank Holidays, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year

Subsidised Private Healthcare for employees and their families

Enhanced family leave benefits

Fully funded Wellbeing offering operated by Health Shield with the ability to claim back medical costs, access to an EAP service including counselling sessions, a GP Anytime service and more

PERKS - a rewards platform offering hundreds of deals and discounts from the brands you know and love, helping your salary stretch a little further

Discretionary annual company performance bonus

Regular WOW awards for those that go above and beyond

Staff suggestion scheme with associated rewards

Staff discount on our products

Long service awards, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year including additional annual leave, life insurance and increased employer pension contributions

Two paid volunteer days per year

500 refer a friend incentive scheme

We believe in recognising great work, investing in personal growth, and supporting wellbeing.

Please note this job description does not claim to be exhaustive in the duties it defines, and it may to some extent change from time to time. This document will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process and any changes where appropriate will be made formally via the HR Department.