We currently have an opening for Category Specialist to join our Operations Excellence Europe team in SBO Krakow. If you are looking for exciting and meaningful opportunities in a global company at the forefront of the energy business and climate debate read on.

The purpose of this role will be to manage assigned categories for the Convenience Retail UK business that sources goods and services across a broad spectrum of fast-moving consumer goods categories.

The role requires best-in-class category management skills with the effective use of the 4Ps - Product, Place, Pricing & Promotions.

What’s the role?

Pivotal to the role will be interaction with fast-moving consumer goods suppliers, negotiating then managing the execution of annual Joint Business Plans. 

The position holder will support the broader Category Management Team to drive overall sales and profit.

It requires to define, shape, manage and monitor their categories; working with internal and external stakeholders to optimize an ever-evolving offer whilst delivering against business targets.

Category Specialist must have strong analytical skills combined with stakeholder management skills, a process driven mindset and close attention to detail and accuracy. There are regular timelines that he/she will need to deliver activities against to ensure that incremental sales, revenue, or cost saving efficiencies can be activated across the UK.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement range plans for assigned UK categories (incl. definition of sub-categories, product selection, identification of appropriate suppliers)
• Develop and implement strategies for assigned categories (creating compatible roadmaps that encompass the full commercial mix of range, merchandising, promotions, and price)
• Support Category Managers Team to optimize untapped revenue opportunities across the full spectrum of assigned non-fuel retail categories and services, ensuring sales, margin, income streams and cost reductions
• Develop and implement appropriate seasonal or event driven activities to maximize incremental sales and revenue (incl. identification of untapped seasonal and event driven trading)
• Deliver KPI reporting to ensure that all categories are performing in line with targets and contractual requirements
• Meet short to medium term financial expectations whilst providing long term growth platforms and formulating successful marketing or retail execution strategies

Must have:

• Direct experience (3 years+) or a clear understanding of Category Management (especially big plus if in a big retailers’ companies and FMCG)
• Commercial acumen – good understanding of sales, margin, and profitability metrics, supported with understanding of all factors that can influence performance
• Analytical skills demonstrable across different tools with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Resilience – ability to manage multiple priorities, up for a challenge and able to prioritize workload when under pressure from different stakeholders
• Business English proficiency

Nice to have:

• Result driven mindset – ability to deliver against or support delivery of stretching business targets
• Negotiation skills
• Experience of using SAP Business Objects would be a strong advantage
• High degree of competence in all MS Windows packages
• Rounded understanding of the dynamics of the shopper and the retailer
• Positive self-starter acting as an advocate for change, seeking constant business or process improvements
• Strong relationship management skills – ability to adapt approach to different audiences or circumstances
• Collaboration skills – ability to work across multiple external and internal touch points, an effective team player and contributor