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

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?

If the answer to all the above is ‘yes’ then look no further as Wickes is the place for you!

About us

Wickes’ culture is our best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. Looking for a company that wants to help further your career, as well as provide you with an exciting, inspiring and fun place to work? Then look no further. 

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 the role

We are evolving, and as part of that we are looking for a confident Supply Category Manager to join our growing team. The purpose of this new exciting role is to support our “Do It For Me” side of the business. This is where we offer something different, a hand-holding service that takes the stress out of big home improvements such as a new kitchen. You will be a self starter that has solid experience in taking complete ownership of a category and can set the strategic direction to consistently deliver a strong customer experience post purchase. 

A vital part of this role is to engage with senior/board level internal and external stakeholders to drive customer engagement whilst supporting the bottom line. In the short term, we will be proactive in mitigating any risks by keeping up with demand, engaging with senior leaders and making sure we are always putting our best foot forward. In the mid to longer term, we will be building out and embedding new processes that will support future drop ship plans seamlessly and efficiently. 

Key Responsibilities

• To develop and lead new best practices across a working group to achieve a better customer experience post purchase.

• Be proactive, plan ahead, anticipate and manage risks.

• To communicate to all relevant external and internal teams on all availability issues and take action where necessary. 

• To challenge and improve business processes and systems.

• To help develop talent and create leaders of the future.

• To ensure DC, store stock-holdings and inbound plans support achieved sales to ensure maximum order fulfillment.

• To ensure forecasts and supplier orders are accurate and timely for all lines to drive full availability.

• To resolve or escalate all supplier performance issues impacting availability.

• Identify and recommend opportunities to reduce costs and prepare for future growth plans.

• To lead and support Category Management Team with supplier meetings.

• To review replenishment parameters with suppliers that will minimise supply chain costs (e.g. ordering frequency, vehicle drop size, route to market, order multiples) and implement improvements with suppliers.

• To work with other supply chain colleagues to ensure optimum solutions and best practises are followed to drive availability and minimise stock and supply chain costs.

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience in Product Supply/Logistics (stock management or forecasting).

• Experience of fast moving or complex Supply models preferable.

• Ability to manage self through proven prioritisation and ability to cope with peaks in workload both increase and decrease.

• Ability to work in a diverse supply chain environment (i.e. constant changing environment).

• High level of analytical and system skills; Intermediate Excel skills, PC literate.

• Great communication skills.

• Ability to communicate with stakeholders at various levels of seniority across the business.

• Ability to work in a pressurised daily routine environment.

• Ability to prioritise and methodically structure own workload.

• Ability to adhere to defined processes and procedures – can also design and implement improvements to processes.

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. 

Please note: All offers of employment are subject to DBS / background checks.