Category Manager - Bathroom & Showroom - Ashfield, Dublin 22

Part of Grafton Group Plc, Chadwicks Group is the market leader in the builder’s merchanting industry in the Republic of Ireland. The core business is through the traditional Builders Merchants division. Main brands include Chadwicks, Cork Builders Providers, Davies & Telfords. In addition, and through organic growth and acquisitions the Group have established a range of brands which are close to the core but offer a uniquely different range of products. These include Heitons Steel, Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Proline,  Sitetech & Rooney's Hardware.

Principle Objective 

Reporting to the Head of Category a Category Manager manages relationships in a dynamic supply base and is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the inventory of product categories to ensure we have the best product range to meet our customers’ needs. The Category Manager will ensure the most cost-effective supply chain to ensure we meet our customers’ service level requirements, and the delivery supports operational efficiency. The Category Manager will lead supplier negotiations and build long term relationships with those suppliers.

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience (3+ years) withing buying, procurement or within the Bathroom, Showrooms or Building Materials Industry or a similar role would be advantage.
• Ideally have knowledge of construction materials, industry regulations and market trends.
• Proficiency in using category management software tools.
• Excellent Microsoft Office and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Excel especially.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and diverse organisation.
• Strategic planning and project management.

Key Responsibilities 

• Build long term supplier relationships, improving the trading position in a sustainable way.
• Support a national showroom strategy across our branch network.
• Ensuring showrooms and revenue reflect market conditions and trends.
• Support our sales team & branch sales staff with the sourcing of material in a timely manner.
• Regularly review stock levels across multiple locations to ensure sufficient stock is available to meet expected demand whilst allowing for unexpected supply chain issues that can arise.
• Optimising inventory levels to align with company policy.
• Review existing supplier performance and new supplier proposals.
• Lead or support complex negotiations with key suppliers.
• Challenge the team continually to create a range our customer value versus our competitors and ensure no product gaps whilst optimising sales and margin.
• Ensuring price is competitive and profitable.
• Ensuring the range and trade plans are delivered, safeguarding adherence to the critical path.
• Review new product developments, meet with suppliers, and build long term relationships.
• Forecasting and managing budgets effectively, always being cost conscious.
• Support the category strategy review process and strategic change programmes and translate into clear plans for the Category Team to drive category growth.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to stay updated on market trends and opportunity to work in international markets sourcing new products identifying new product trends.
• Design and implement new product production outside of Ireland and manage the inbound supply chain.
• Work with logistics to manage on time delivery of product to the various business units.

Essential Competencies 

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Effective team working and networking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer facing skills.
• Dynamic, motivated, and driven to achieve targets

Key Performance Measures 

• Revenue growth
• Cost price management
• Stock availability, Aged Stock and Margin
• New product development and ensuring no range gaps versus competitors.
• Retail and trade pricing
• Sustainability

Team & Budget

• Team Size – Forms part of the wider category team
• Direct Reports – 0
• Budget Responsibility – Purchasing €50-100m

Contract Type

• Permanent full time
• Full time 39-hour contract
• Working week Monday to Friday

Our Benefits Include

• Level 4 Role 
• Competitive Basic Salary 
• Competitive Performance Related Bonus
• Private Health Care 
• Sick Pay Scheme 
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Pension Scheme
• Colleague Saving Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• Colleague Discount
• Educational Assistance
• Wellness initiatives

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Chadwicks Group we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

DISCLAIMER: Chadwicks Group reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions of this Role Profile at its sole discretion and it is the colleague’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with these changes. Furthermore, the provisions of this Role Profile are designed by Chadwicks Group to serve as guidelines rather than absolute responsibilities and duties.