Category Executive

Looking for an individualto become the category champion for the relevant portfolios, working as part of the Marketing team to create, develop and deliver the product road map within the overall long term strategy of the business. You will have one direct report and the following duties: Research and analyse the market, to identify and understand; competitor and consumer trends. Range management - Manage the product life cycle across the business, discontinuing and managing exit plans where necessary and communicate the SKU status within the business. Effectively manage the product mix to maximise the profitability for the business. Range review analysis - working closely with Sales and Operations to analyse key account AWS figures and supplier MOQ’s to increase sales and minimise E&O. Identify new product and/or category opportunities via both product innovation and product enhancement. Lead the NPD process within the business, working closely with other departments and external suppliers, project managing the NPD process from design through to production and launch. Product launch forecasting - forecast and monitor recent product launches and report back to the Sales and Marketing teams. General Category Executive duties include; new product set-up, raising sku and barcodes, launch packs, product packaging, instructions, warrantees, competitor mapping, website product content and co-ordination of product training. Review and develop pricing strategies and product policies. Determine product packaging solutions. Manage and communicate with cross functional teams, in the European business, US head office and Asia office. Develop product category plan and event campaigns to generate product awareness, pull-though demand. Support sales and marketing with the necessary product knowledge, technical expertise, sales tools and sales training materials. Conduct product presentations. Manage product-related support, feedback and inquiries from users. About the Company: A well known and well respected market leader in the DIY sector who specialise in flooring, tiles, safety and tooling products. With a variety of categories and unique technologies which have made them a familiar name in the sector with several brands across this market. Key Skills/Experience Required: Previous product / category management experience within DIY, KBB, Trade or similar FMCG channels. Quantitative and business analysis skills. Proven track record of launching NPD. Knowledge of marketing principles & practices with experience within B2B environments. Knowledge of business and management principles and practices. Excellent understanding of POS and merchandising solutions across all channels. Competent communication skills to all levels within the business & our customers. Problem analysis and solving. Strategic thinking, planning & creativity. Organizational and planning skills. Confident, good judgment & attention to detail. Negotiating skills. Self-starter, assertive but also an active team player. Positive, pro-active and hands-on approach. Customer orientation. Presentation skills. Salary/Benefits Information : Competitive basic benefits Contact: Rebecca Wall Reference: RW/639775H Candidate care: By responding to this advert, you consent to Cavendish Maine processing the personal data included within this application. If your application is successful, we will contact you to discuss the opportunity in more detail, within 48 hours of receiving your application. Should you not hear from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please be advised that if unsuccessful for this role we may keep your details in our hold file, during which time you may be contacted for other suitable vacancies. If you do not want us to do this, please call us to advise. In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your interest in Cavendish Maine.