Category Manager

Northern Ireland Water Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading timber and builder's merchant in Northern Ireland seeks a Group Category Manager to oversee product categories and supplier management. The role includes developing competitive supplier agreements, maintaining accurate stock levels, and collaborating with the purchasing team to optimize strategies. Candidates should have experience in purchasing or sales, excellent communication skills, and strong analytical capabilities in a detail-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a purchasing or sales role, ideally within building materials.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and negotiate supplier agreements for competitive pricing.
• Build group category strategies with the Purchasing Director.
• Maintain a consistent core product range across branches.
• Ensure accurate stock levels in relation to policy.
• Support the Price Book team with accurate product data.

Skills

Experience in purchasing or sales

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical capability

High competency in MS Office

Job description

MCS Group is delighted to be working with a long established, family owned business and one of the largest timber and builder's merchants in the UK & Ireland, as they seek to appoint a Group Category Manager to drive strategy, supplier performance and product optimisation across their network.

As Group Category Manager, you will take ownership of strategic product categories, managing a portfolio of suppliers and ensuring branches are equipped with the right products, pricing and support to serve customers and maximise profitability.

You will;

• Develop, negotiate and manage supplier agreements to secure competitive pricing and market-leading products.
• Build and deliver group category strategies in partnership with the Purchasing Director and wider commercial team.
• Define and maintain a consistent core product range across all branches.
• Maintain stock levels in line with company policy and market trends.
• Support the Price Book team to ensure all product and pricing data is accurate and up to date.
• Work closely with Purchase Ledger to resolve supplier queries efficiently.

You will bring strong commercial focus and a proactive approach, along with:

• Experience in a purchasing or sales role (ideally within building materials or related sectors).
• Excellent communication and supplier relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical capability and a methodical, detail-driven approach.
• High competency in MS Office.

Full details will be discussed upon application.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Alan Montgomery, Specialist Consultant at MCS Group 02896935492

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs