Category Manager, RS Pro

The Category Manager role is a key role within the RS PRO, own brand team, accountable for developing the RS PRO category strategy for the product technologies they are aligned to. Working with group, regional and local stakeholders to execute growth plans, delivering targeted profitable growth, customer acquisition and ROI. For the technology and suppliers they are aligned to, the category manager will be instrumental in delivering a best-in-class RS PRO product offer for our customers. They will also be responsible for the maintenance of the UK based RS PRO supplier and product portfolio including the end-to-end product lifecycle. Managing a portfolio of UK based RS PRO suppliers, they are accountable for supplier management and performance, negotiating contracts and improved commercial terms whilst building the collaborative relationships that help drive growth. Responsibilities: The jobholder is responsible for the following processes:

• RS PRO Category/technology strategy planning, governance, and execution
• Development & execution of RS PRO supplier business plans to help realise the defined RS PRO category strategy.
• The use of digital data and insight to inform ranging decisions, highlight opportunities and drive accelerated portfolio & supplier performance
• Supplier management and relationship building to support delivery of growth plans
• Best in class negotiations to deliver accelerated profit
• Cost management and price maintenance
• NPI and portfolio development to help build the RS PRO range and drive growth
• Strong communication and collaboration across relevant group stakeholders
• Development of best-in-class RS PRO category/technology offer, fully aligned to customer needs and the overall category strategy
• Management of product lifecycle including NPI, discontinuations & revenue protection
• Support EMEA Sourcing managers with the growth of EMEA supplier base
• Strong relationships with suppliers, functions, and markets
• Close relationship with the EMEA Product & Supplier Management team to provide optimized range
Delivery of KPIs:
• New product introduction volume & revenue
• Supplier and technology growth
• Supplier performance targets
• Inventory availability, value, and health
• New products sell through rate
• Discontinuation revenue protection
  
  Good analytical skillset and strong attention to detail
• Experience of online trading and digital tools
• Experience in working with global supplier brands
• A collaborative team player
• Experience of working in a matrix and cross-cultural environment
• Experience of working in a Commercial environment
• Sound commercial acumen and broad communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Positive can-do attitude, takes ownership and very results oriented
• Good influencing skills
• Operational problem solver and good process management capability
Desirable:
• Educated to degree-level or equivalent
• Demonstrates an excellent understanding of, and the ability to articulate, the RS Value Proposition
• Experience of working with an online digital toolset.
  
  We've been solving industry problems for over 80 years. We turn the 'what ifs' into the 'why nots', the impossible into the possible.
Our purpose? Making amazing happen for a better world. We offer service and product solutions to over 1.2 million customers globally, shipping a parcel every 2 seconds to over 130 countries. With over 800,000 stocked and 3 million unstocked products, we're a trusted partner to the world's leading industries. We're looking for curious, driven, and empathetic professionals to join our journey. People who think differently, act with purpose, and want to make a real impact., Join c. 9,000 colleagues and help us shape the future of our industry. Whoever you are, wherever you are - it all starts here.

Our Reward Strategy Philosophy is designed to offer market competitive base salaries and provide all of our people the opportunity to participate in a short-term incentive, enabling them to share in the success of the Company. Our total reward package is more than just the cash; our recognition and benefit offering provide the opportunity for us to recognise, reward and enable the wellbeing of our people at all stages of their journey with RS. Our rewards and benefits vary by country, but include:
• Financial - pension/retirement; life assurance; salary finance (payroll deduction loan scheme)
• Wellbeing - medical plans; health screening; critical illness; disability insurance; holiday / paid time off; employee assistance programme; discounted gym/health club membership
• Lifestyle - transportation assistance schemes (e.g., cycle to work, travel loans, car leasing); onsite catering/lunch vouchers; retail discounts
• Spotlight - our global recognition programme provides a platform to highlight and recognise people role modelling our values