Wickes are a digitally led, service enabled organisation with a project in every home.

Are you looking for your next opportunity within Commercial?  Would you enjoy the pace and energy of a retail environment which is collaborative, fun and inclusive where people feel part of a winning team? Do you enjoy the benefits of working together in person as a team blended with the flexibility of remote working?

Wickes are a leading multichannel retailer and we are looking for an exceptional Category Manager to join our established team and be part of driving our ambitious growth plans.  As part of our transformation into a standalone PLC business, we are looking to grow our commercial talent and this is an opportunity to make a real difference.  You will be responsible for the end to end management of the category and increasing sales and profitability of the category to drive sustainable growth. 

Activities within the role are varied and include sourcing the right range of products from current and new suppliers through to the pricing and promotion to maximise consumer appeal.  

It goes without saying that there are lots of opportunities to shape new ways of working, develop engaging customer offers and drive change.

Don’t worry if you do not have specific category experience within our sector, and whilst retail experience would be a benefit, this is also not essential  -  it is those core skills in buying and category management that we are looking for coupled with the drive and ambition to make a difference. We would even consider a profile of a Buyer looking to take the next step in their career in Commercial.

Key responsibilities:

Product Strategy

Set a clear and customer focused category strategy to deliver growth in sales and profit.

Develop and build category plan, to deliver market share growth, informed by internal and external insight to maximise commercial position and provide the best customer proposition.

Trading Management (delivering the plan and numbers)

Drive sales and profit through an activity plan including promotion, advertising and PR in alignment with the framework set by Marketing, Direct Channels and Operations Departments.

Managing SKU level cost and retail price in line with pricing and promotional strategy

Deliver or exceed budgeted sales and margin whilst maintaining or growing market share.

Supply & Sourcing

Build profitable supplier partnership to develop market position.

Develop a clear sourcing strategy to ensure the supply of quality products that meet the customer need through the most efficient route to market.

Develop high performing business partnerships with key suppliers to maximise business opportunity.   

Manage supplier base to ensure that they meet all of our requirements using supplier KRA’s and 100% availability.

Leadership & Team Development

Develop, engage and lead your team to enable individual growth and realisation of potential

Drive engagement with the category and its plans; be a visible ambassador/champion of your category, driving understanding through-out the wider business

What are we looking for:

Taking accountability and ownership for all aspects of the category you will have previous experience of successfully delivering in a category management or buying role, ideally with experience in a multichannel environment.

You will bring  -

A commercial mindset, extensive experience in understanding consumer needs and a broad knowledge of marketing and sales principles. 

Experience of developing and maintaining effective relationships both internally and externally through excellent communication, influencing, collaboration and negotiation skills

A curious and natural approach to solving  problems alongside the drive and enthusiasm to achieve commercial targets and to maximise our commercial success.

Good attention to detail and numeracy skills, with an ability to utilise research and insight to understand both customers and the market.

What can we offer you?

You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us 

We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes 

Competitive bonus

Save-as-you-earn scheme

Private Medical and Life Assurance

Contributory pension scheme

Colleague discount 

Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. 

We have recently re-opened our Support Centre in Watford, where our Commercial team are based, along with our other support functions.  We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture.  We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working. 

About Us: 

Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market.  With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.3Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.  

But it is the Wickes’ culture that is considered its best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.