Category Manager (Buying)
Belfast
Join Our Family at Musgrave
Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses, with a rich 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We're proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We're committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we're looking for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to join us on this journey.
As we continue our journey toward becoming Ireland’s most trusted and sustainable business, we have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to join our team as a Category Manager.
As part of the Growing Good Business Agenda the role of Category Manager is to deliver a market leading offer that meets consumer and retailer needs while improving overall profitability. This will be achieved through the development of appropriate category strategies and by leading and developing a cross functional team responsible for designing and delivering this offer. These strategies will be delivered through strong supplier and retailer partnerships which enable effective sourcing and supply of products of the agreed quality, at optimum prices, in a timely manner.
What you’ll be doing:
Develop an appropriate trading strategy for the Category to achieve sustainable long-term revenue, margin, quality and market share growth targets in line with the overall business strategy
Develop annual category plan, targets and budgets and approving sub-category plans with each Trading Manager
Input and provide direction to the commercial strategy including the development of appropriate product ranges through Category Management principles which are consistent with the Company’s brand position and profit objectives
Devise and implement appropriate operating processes, systems and procedures to ensure sustainable and consistent delivery of high quality, repeatable outputs and business results
Deliver the required operational and financial performance of the category
Develop excellent long term supplier and Retailer relationships through the use of Joint Business Plans with suppliers and through various Retailer engagement activities including store visits, retailer meetings and forums etc.
Assess customer loyalty issues and identifying ways to increase in line with Musgrave expectations
Develop and deliver Promotional Activity in accordance with the promotional cycle and in line with the Marketing/Commercial strategy of the business and category strategy
Manage and engage the Category team and ensure that all members have the necessary skill sets, resources and support to achieve their objectives in accordance with our organisational values.
What we are looking for:
3 years+ of progressive experience in a Senior Commercial position managing a significant Trading Portfolio with a proven track record of delivering a commercial strategy and exceptional results
Proven people management and leadership experience
Excellent interpersonal, presentation and influencing skills and an ability to interact at all levels of the organization and manage multiple commercial projects simultaneously.
Strong customer focus and commitment to customer service excellence
Structured, organised and methodical with a deadline focus
Track record of leading a cross functional trading team focused on delivering commercial results in a fast moving environment
Extensive negotiation experience
Strategic thinking and planning skills
Strong commercial acumen
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Highly numerate and strong on data analysis and interpretation
Nice to have:
Knowledge of the Northern Irish, Irish and UK grocery industry a distinct advantage
Sound category management experience in the retail / wholesale trade
What we Offer or Why Musgrave:
Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers numerous opportunities for advancement and learning.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact
Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward-thinking solutions
Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long-standing commitment to community and innovation.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of a forward-thinking company that values your expertise and vision.
Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.
Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.
