Category Manager - Grocery

Job Description

We are seeking a driven and commercially minded Category Manager to join our Grocery team. In this role, you will play a key part in maximising the profitability of specified product categories, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving cash profit across the business.

As Category Manager, you will take ownership of category performance, using insight, analysis, and market understanding to shape strategy, optimise ranges, and deliver sustainable growth. You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure our offer remains competitive, relevant, and aligned with customer needs.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced wholesale/retail environment and is ready to make a measurable impact.

This role can be based out of Wellingborough, Eccles or Watford

• The development and implementation of category plans ensuring delivery of sales, margin and profit are met whilst maintaining continuity of product availability.
• Growth of own brand business, sourcing as appropriate to grow sales and margins.
• Annual negotiation with suppliers to ensure competitive terms year on year.
• Seek and react to customer feedback at every opportunity, shaping the category plan, whilst linking to the sell plan and customer satisfaction.
• Responds to customer queries and complaints professionally, at speed.
• Be able to communicate category plans and objectives for relevant product categories, ensuring understanding and buy-in is achieved.
• Ensure product area in the business centres reflect the principles of good, better and best.
• Working as part of the team to identify opportunities and develop or improve ways of working.
• Following our Business Code of Conduct and always acting with integrity and due diligence championing diversity and inclusion.

Operational skills relevant for this job

• Exceptional communication & stakeholder management.
• Be able to work independently, to problem solve and make commercial decisions.
• Attention to detail, writing of reports, interpreting data and keeping of accurate records.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant markets and market developments.
• Ability to flex work approach.

Experience relevant for this job:

• Previous experience buying fresh products desired
• Extensive experience in working in FMG
• Have a proven record of working autonomously.
• Have experience of development and management of marketing camp

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, 8 distribution centres, 5 Best Food Logistics sites, as well as 6 support centre locations across the UK.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers; some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed Leader and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact recruitment@bookergroup.com

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.

On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.

*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco*

For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk