Category Marketing Manager

Looking for a Group Category Marketing Managerto become the category champion for the relevant portfolios, working as part of the Marketing team and reporting into the Sales Director. You will have 7 direct reports and the following duties: To be the product champion for the entire UK product portfolio, working with the Marketing team to create, develop and deliver the product road map within the overall long-term strategy of the business. Identify new product and/or category opportunities via both product innovation and product enhancement. Research and analyse the market, including relevant trade show attendance, to identify and understand both competitor and consumer trends. Lead the NPD process within the business, working closely with all stakeholders and vendors as required, to oversee all product launches executed by Product Team to ensure every SKU is fit for market, including: QA procedures, regulation compliance, new product set-up, launch packs, product packaging, warranty, competitor mapping, website product content, co-ordination of product training, POS. SKU Introduction/Range Review/Implementation - work closely with Sales/Operations/PMs to review and execute SKU introduction to satisfy market needs and meet margin expectations. 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. Control of marketing budget, monitoring spend Manage and communicate with cross functional teams within all Divisions and Head Office, Asia Sourcing Office and vendor liaison. Develop product marketing plans and event campaigns in conjunction with Sales Teams/PR Agency to generate product awareness, pull-though demand. Support sales and marketing with the necessary product knowledge, technical expertise, sales tools and sales training materials. Create and conduct product presentations to internal and external stakeholders Collaborate with PR agency to ensure adequate PR coverage, B2B and B2C. Plan, manage and execute Trade show exhibitions, including all set up, manning, collateral and lead generation. Completion of customer audit/DOC documentation as required. Manage and resolve product legal issues to conclusion. Create and develop briefs to generate a high level of output via graphic designers. Manage team workloads to optimise output and ensure all deadlines are met. Review and critique all documentation generated by the Marketing Team, to ensure the highest standards are met at all times. 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 Home Improvement, KBB, Trade or similar FMCG channels. Quantitative and business analysis skills. Proven track record of launching NPD. Wide experience of marketing principles and 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 and our customers. Problem analysis and solving. Strategic thinking, planning and creativity. Organisational and planning skills. Confident, good judgment and 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.