212 Category Manager jobs in the United Kingdom

Category Manager (Corporate Services)

Middlesbrough

Competitive salary

Jackson Hogg Procurement are delighted to be working on an exclusive basis with a leading business in Middlesbrough on the appointment of a Category Manager - Corporate Services to join their team on a full time and permanent basis. 

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, this Category Manager will be responsible for responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies across a diverse portfolio of corporate services categories including IT, Facilities Management, Temporary Labour, HR & Marketing, Financial & Legal services, Learning & Development, Travel Management, Office Supplies, Printing, Professional Services and Capital expenditure projects that do not fall under the engineering category.

Hours can be flexible between an 08:00-09:00 start, working a 35 hour week with hybrid working on offer! 

Other benefits include 7% matched pension, flexi time scheme, CIPS funding after probationary period, and 25 days holiday plus bank hols.

The Role:

• Category Strategy Development : Develop and implement sourcing strategies for designated corporate services categories and non-engineering CAPEX categories.
li>Sourcing: Lead the sourcing process for the designated categories including, market research, specification development, developing sourcing documents, bid evaluation, negotiating all commercial terms and conditions aimed at reducing cost, minimising risk and optimising business processes for the procurement of the goods and services within these categories.
• Supplier Management : Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead negotiations for contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable pricing, terms and conditions and specifications, deliverables and performance metrics are clear and can be easily quantified.
• Contract Development : Work with the legal function to construct the necessary contractual arrangements for contracts to ensure all contractual terms and conditions are approved and corporate risk is minimised.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and emerging technologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Encourage and influence internal stakeholders, to ensure key spend categories including capital are directed through the Procurement function.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with the procurement of the corporate services categories, including supply chain disruptions and compliance issues.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans as necessary to ensure service levels and contractual obligations are met.
• Cost Savings: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within designated categories through strategic sourcing and supplier management and ensure all negotiated gains and cost savings are tracked, measured, and delivered.
• Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports on category performance, savings achieved, and market trends to senior management.
• Supplier Management : Manage the relationship of key category suppliers and mediate issues between stakeholders and suppliers as required.
• Leadership: Develop and guide the Procurement Specialist through assigning tasks and setting objectives.

The Person/Specification:

• A minimum of 5 years in procurement with progressive experience in procurement, with a significant portion dedicated to corporate services, or indirect procurement, and experience of CAPEX procurement.
• Experience of the end-to end sourcing processes including requirements gathering, market assessment, supplier identification, competitive sourcing (i.e. RFQ, RFP, ITT or equivalent) exercises and contract award (inc. drafting, negotiation and execution).
• CIPS qualified (desirable or working toward becoming fully qualified– funded by company)
Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to achieve favourable outcomes while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Strong communication/collaboration experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with an effective approach to prioritising workload and acute attention to detail.

Early application is highly recommended for this role. For more information, please contact Gemma Yeadon - Sector Lead | Procurement at Jackson Hogg. 

Category Manager - Health & Beauty (Hybrid)

Ascot, Berkshire | 40,000 - 45,000 + benefits

Are you passionate about beauty, brands, and building strong retailer partnerships? This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Category Manager (or a rising Senior Account Executive / Buyer / Account Manager) to join a growing Health & Beauty FMCG distribution business.

You'll be at the heart of delivering brand growth across leading retailers including Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, and other key UK beauty channels. Working closely with brand partners, retailers, and internal teams, you'll shape category strategies, deliver joint business plans, and drive new product launches - all while mentoring a Category Executive.

This role offers a hybrid working model, with flexibility to split your time between home and the office in Ascot and will require the occasional UK travel.

As Category Manager your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage key retailer and brand relationships, delivering joint business plans and commercial growth.
• Own marketing budgets and promotional planning to maximise ROI.
• Analyse sales data to spot trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Lead the launch of new products and category initiatives, from concept to retail execution.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to deliver seamless activations.
• Mentor and support a Category Executive in their career development.

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Category Manager, Buyer, Senior Account Executive, or Account Manager in the health & beauty or FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of managing accounts with major UK retailers (Boots, Superdrug, beauty e-tailers)
• Sales and business growth mindset
• Commercially astute with strong analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and confident juggling multiple projects.
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel & PowerPoint).

What's on offer

• Salary 40,000 - 45,000 + benefits.
• Profit share bonus
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Private healthcare, income protection, death in service cover
• Opportunity to work with exciting, fast-growing international beauty brands.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

If you're excited by the idea of shaping the growth of innovative beauty brands and driving commercial success with top UK retailers, we'd love to hear from you!

As Category Manager, you'll take ownership of one of our client's key categories, managing it from strategy through to execution. You'll work closely with in-house marketing and sales teams, but most importantly, you'll be the face of our brand to key external suppliers and clients. If you are a commercially savvy and sales-focused procurement professional, please read on!

Job Title: Category Manager
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
Salary: 40,000 - 45,000 DOE

Responsibilities:

• Build and manage strong relationships with brand and retail partners to deliver joint objectives and drive long-term collaboration
• Develop and lead retailer plans, including ownership of budgets, promotional activity, and category initiatives
• Analyse sales and market data to identify trends, inform strategy, and optimise category performance
• Lead the creation, pitching, and execution of new product launches
• Oversee marketing spend, ensuring alignment with budgeted plans and maximising ROI
• Prepare and present regular performance reports to internal stakeholders, supporting sales and marketing planning
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth execution across all touchpoints

What we're looking for:

• Proven experience in FMCG Buying or Category Management
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• High organisation and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

Huntress Search Ltd acts as a Recruitment Agency in relation to all Permanent roles and as a Recruitment Business in relation to all Temporary roles.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.

Are you an ambitious category or insight professional ready to step up into a full Category Manager role?

The Advocate Group is working with a fast-paced, high-growth food business that’s shaking up its category and looking for fresh thinking. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong foundations in category or commercial analytics who’s ready for their next big challenge.

Why This Role Stands Out:

You’ll work cross-functionally with commercial, marketing, insights, and supply chain teams to shape and influence go-to-market strategy. Whether you’re already operating at Category Manager level or ready to make the leap, this role offers the platform to accelerate your development and make real impact.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Build and deliver insight-led category plans that influence range, merchandising, and promotional strategies.
• Analyse market data from Kantar, Nielsen, IRI, and EPOS to uncover trends and growth opportunities.
• Turn complex data into compelling stories that inspire action—internally and with retail customers.
• Support JBPs and contribute to the success of new product launches.
• Collaborate with category, insights, and commercial teams to shape a winning strategy in-store and online.

We’re Open To:

• Experienced Category Managers looking for a more influential role.
• Insight analysts, commercial executives, or category executives with the right skills and ambition to step up.

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience in a category, insight, or commercial role within the UK food & drink industry.
• Confidence working with data tools such as Kantar, Nielsen, IRI, or EPOS systems.
• Strong analytical skills and a natural ability to tell a compelling commercial story.
• A proactive, curious mindset and passion for shopper behaviour and consumer trends.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence across functions.

What’s In It For You:

• A visible, commercially impactful role in a dynamic and growing business.
• An inclusive team that values fresh ideas and collaborative working.
• Products and brands you’ll be proud to represent on shelf.

Interested?
Whether you’re an experienced Category Manager or ready to step up into the role, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch with John at The Advocate Group for a confidential conversation.

The Advocate Group is a specialist recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors in the UK.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy. The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy.

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Are you a strategic thinker with a flair for category development and a passion for shopper-led insight?

The Advocate Group are looking for a dynamic Category Manager to join a fast-paced, high-growth grocery retail team that is transforming the way local products reach the consumer.

Why You’ll Want This Role:
This is your opportunity to be part of a well-invested and rapidly growing division of a major UK grocery business. With a strong innovation pipeline and a focus on authentic, local products, you'll work with a portfolio that’s making waves in the industry. You'll influence commercial strategy, drive category growth, and work in close collaboration with commercial, marketing, insights, and supply chain teams.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Develop compelling, insight-led category plans that drive range, merchandising, and promotional strategies.
• Use data from Kantar, Nielsen, IRI, and retail EPOS to identify trends and opportunities.
• Deliver engaging, story-led insights to influence internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Partner with customer teams to support JBPs and NPD launches.
• Collaborate with the wider category, insight, and commercial teams to build a winning go-to-market strategy.

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience in a category, insights, or commercial role within the UK food & drink industry.
• Strong analytical and storytelling skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for maximum impact.
• Experience working with EPOS, Kantar, Nielsen, or IRI data.
• A proactive, commercially curious mindset and a passion for consumer trends.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to work cross-functionally.

What’s In It For You:

• Be part of a purpose-led, entrepreneurial business unit
• A role where you’ll have real influence, visibility, and impact.

Apply now to join a team where your insights and storytelling will help bring unique, high-quality products to consumers across the UK.

For more details or to discuss how we can support your career, please get in touch with John, or click “Apply Now” to be considered. 

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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Category Manager
Location: Hayes - Site-based (No hybrid/remote working)
Hours: 4 AM - 1 PM, Monday to Friday
Salary: 45,000 - 55,000 (DOE)

Are you a Category Manager with a passion for food and strong negotiation skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where sourcing high-quality products is key? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Our client, a well-established supplier in the food industry, is looking for a Category Manager to manage and develop their category strategy. This is a hands-on role that involves supplier negotiations, quality control, and ensuring the best possible product range for the business.

• Developing and executing category strategies in line with market trends
• Negotiating with suppliers to secure the best quality, pricing, and terms
• Managing stock levels to maintain supply chain efficiency
• Ensuring all products meet quality and sustainability standards
• Collaborating with internal teams to drive category growth and sales

• Minimum of five years' experience in food buying, ideally within a fresh category
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• A deep understanding of market trends and category management
• A passion for food and delivering the highest quality products

If you're a strategic and results-driven Category Manager , apply today through Kandhu Recruitment.

Kandhu Recruitment GDPR & Privacy Policy Statement
Kandhu Recruitment will consider all applications based on each candidate's suitability for the role or similar positions within the Food Sector. If we feel you are a relevant candidate, we will process your application by adding you to our secure recruitment database and then contacting you to progress job opportunities further. We do not contact unsuitable applicants.

Kandhu has fully implemented GDPR & Privacy Policies across its business. A copy of our Privacy Policy can be found by visiting our website. By applying for this role, Kandhu will add your details to our database-assuming you have the right level of experience for the roles you apply for, after which we will be in touch.

Category Manager - Health & Beauty (Hybrid)

Ascot, Berkshire | 40,000 - 45,000 + benefits

Are you passionate about beauty, brands, and building strong retailer partnerships? This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Category Manager (or a rising Senior Account Executive / Buyer / Account Manager) to join a growing Health & Beauty FMCG distribution business.

You'll be at the heart of delivering brand growth across leading retailers including Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, and other key UK beauty channels. Working closely with brand partners, retailers, and internal teams, you'll shape category strategies, deliver joint business plans, and drive new product launches - all while mentoring a Category Executive.

This role offers a hybrid working model, with flexibility to split your time between home and the office in Ascot and will require the occasional UK travel.

As Category Manager your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage key retailer and brand relationships, delivering joint business plans and commercial growth.
• Own marketing budgets and promotional planning to maximise ROI.
• Analyse sales data to spot trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Lead the launch of new products and category initiatives, from concept to retail execution.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to deliver seamless activations.
• Mentor and support a Category Executive in their career development.

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Category Manager, Buyer, Senior Account Executive, or Account Manager in the health & beauty or FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of managing accounts with major UK retailers (Boots, Superdrug, beauty e-tailers)
• Sales and business growth mindset
• Commercially astute with strong analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and confident juggling multiple projects.
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel & PowerPoint).

What's on offer

• Salary 40,000 - 45,000 + benefits.
• Profit share bonus
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Private healthcare, income protection, death in service cover
• Opportunity to work with exciting, fast-growing international beauty brands.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

If you're excited by the idea of shaping the growth of innovative beauty brands and driving commercial success with top UK retailers, we'd love to hear from you!

CATEGORY MANAGER - DEFENCE

Summer-Browning Associates is currently assisting our client in the Defence Sector, who is seeking a Category Manager for an initial 6-month assignment.

Location: Bristol / London - Hybrid working

The ideal candidate will hold an active SC clearance and have a proven background in Category Management, with the following skills and experience:

• Experience in Category Management, Category Planning and developing Category Strategies within the Defence or Central Government sectors.
• In-depth Supply Chain & Supplier Relationship Management

To apply, please submit your most recent CV for review.