Junior Category Manager Job at 360 Resourcing Solutions (Solihull)

Job Description

Here at AIS, we have an exciting opportunity available for a Junior Category Manager to join our Flooring One team based in Solihull. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary. AIS is the UK’s and Ireland’s leading fashion, home and leisure buying group with a membership of 280 independent department stores and specialist retailers. We’re a membership of buying power, creativity and expertise! As our Junior Category Manager, you will work closely with the Buyer and manage the Administrator, to ensure the continuous development of commercial, seasonal Own Brand and exclusive ranges for our Members. You will be responsible for supporting to deliver commercial and profitable ranges, whilst providing a high standard of customer service to our Members. If you are someone who can develop strong business relationships, thinks commercially and understands product trends and competition landscape, then we are looking to hear from you!

Job Responsibility

Work closely with the Buyer, taking ownership of key product areas and supporting collaborative decision-making
Contribute to division strategy and product development by participating in reviews and sharing insights with the senior team
Demonstrate commercial awareness by sourcing new products, brands, and suppliers to keep our range fresh and competitive
Support P&L management by making decisions that maximise sales and control costs
Develop and maintain the exclusive own label collection, with the introduction of new ranges, from conception to launch with the group
Make informed choices based on market trends, data, member feedback, and competitor analysis
Provide exceptional service to Members through regular calls and visits, building strong relationships and understanding their needs
Promote member and supplier engagement via webinars, strategy groups, and meetings
Visit Member stores, set objectives, and report findings to drive improvements
Manage and curate content for our Hub and Yammer platforms, ensuring high standards and engaging communication
Utilise internal systems effectively to streamline operations and reporting
Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, and ensure compliance with AIS standards
Identify and onboard new suppliers and emerging brands to enhance our offering
Work with the Partnership Manager to maintain compliance with regulations and monitor supplier service performance
Collaborate with the Buyer, events, and marketing teams to deliver successful INDX shows and drive member engagement
Create product directories and show guides in partnership with Suppliers, Marketing, and Events teams
Attend weekly team meetings to stay informed and contribute to ongoing business improvements
Resolve member and supplier queries promptly and professionally
Act as a role model, sharing knowledge and supporting the administrator
Champion continuous improvement and the united team approach, identifying opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and cost savings

Requirements

Experience within the flooring or wider home category with an exceptional commercial eye for product
Strong commercial awareness of the category and the overall market
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels
Creative thinker, with the ability to think outside the box
Fresh thinker and generates ideas with a ‘can do’ attitude
Exceptional negotiator and has strong influencing skills
A flexible and reliable team player
Computer literacy including competence in Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Able to consistently produce accurate work to a high standard

What we offer

25 days holiday + bank holidays (in a full leave year, pro rata for part time employees)
Opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 10 days per leave year)
Birthday leave - no one should work on their birthday so have the day off on us!
Company pension scheme
Employee Wellbeing Scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Cycle to work scheme
Charity / volunteering Leave
Free employee parking
Onsite catering service (subsidised rate for employees)
Access to discounts and staff sales
Employee engagement calendar and activities throughout the year

360 Resourcing Solutions - All Job Offers

Select Country

Junior Category Manager

Job Description

Job Responsibility

Requirements

What we offer

Looking for more opportunities?