Category Manager

Elevation Procurement & Supply Chain are delighted to be partnered with a UK wide, growing and developing convenience retailer, seeking to hire a Category Manager, with a strong Grocery background.Step into a high-impact commercial role where your buying and category expertise will directly shape the offer of a growing convenience retailer. This is a chance to own key categories end-to-end, drive margin and volume, and influence how customers shop every day across a national store network. If you're commercially sharp, data-led and ready to lead the agenda for your categories, this role offers real autonomy and visibility.About the Role:You will take full ownership of assigned categories, defining and delivering the category strategy to grow sales, profit and market share within a convenience retail environment. Working closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders and store operations, you will build compelling ranges, secure the best commercial terms, and ensure execution lands effectively in-store. Your decisions will directly impact customer satisfaction, competitiveness, and overall business performance.Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement category strategies for assigned product areas, aligned to the overall convenience retail proposition and commercial objectives Lead end-to-end buying activities, including branded & own-label, supplier selection, negotiation, contract management and ongoing performance review Build and optimise customer-focused ranges, including NPD, delists and range resets, informed by data, shopper insight and market trends Manage category budgets, including cost of goods, rebates, promotional spend and margin, ensuring robust budgeting and cost control Plan and execute promotional and pricing strategies to drive sales, volume and profitability while maintaining competitive positioning Analyse category performance, market data and competitor activity to identify opportunities, risks and required tactical actions Collaborate with supply chain, marketing, finance and store operations to ensure effective implementation of category plans in a convenience retail environment Prepare and present category plans, performance reviews and recommendations to senior stakeholders, influencing key commercial decisions Key Requirements: Proven experience as a Category Manager, Buyer or similar commercial role within retail or wholesale, ideally with exposure to convenience retail Strong track record in category management and strategic sourcing, delivering sales and margin growth Demonstrable experience in buying and procurement, including supplier negotiations and contract management Solid budgeting and cost control experience, with accountability for category P&L or equivalent commercial measures Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable category plans Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, able to work cross-functionally and drive alignment Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset and focus on value creation and total cost of ownership Organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple categories, projects and deadlines simultaneously Desirable Skills: Experience working specifically with or for convenience retailers and understanding of the convenience customer mission Knowledge of space planning, planograms and in-store merchandising principles Experience of own-label development and managing branded vs own-label mix Familiarity with advanced category tools and retail analytics platforms Background in supplier relationship management and joint business planning Qualifications: Degree-level education in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Management or a related commercial discipline, or equivalent experience Additional training or certification in category management or commercial negotiation advantageous If you are a commercially driven category professional ready to shape the offer of a developing convenience retailer, apply now to take ownership of categories that truly influence the customer experience.