Head of Category

Head of Category | Buying | £70,000 - £85,000 DOE | North West England | Exceptional Benefits

This role requires someone already operating at:

• Buying Manager
• Trading Manager
• Senior Category Manager
• Head of Category

A buying background is non-negotiable. You'll bring:

• Proven experience managing major branded suppliers
• Strong commercial instinct and negotiation capability
• Confidence to make decisions without waiting for permission
• Experience leading a team in a fast-paced retail environment
• High numerical ability and data fluency
• Calmness under pressure and the ability to prioritise ruthlessly
• A proactive mindset - you fix problems before they escalate

You understand that in a large, high-revenue category, visibility is constant and performance is measurable. We're looking for a commercially sharp, already-operating Buying Manager (or above) to take ownership of one of the largest and most cash-generative categories in the business. This area drives serious revenue. It's visible. It matters. And there's nowhere to hide.

This role demands someone who already knows how to manage the full commercial lifecycle, from negotiation through to delivery, while protecting margin and cash at every stage.

You'll lead a large team, taking full accountability for trading performance, availability, supplier relationships and commercial strategy. This is a fast-moving environment that values action over hesitation. If you're waiting for approval, you're slowing the business down. You'll be trusted to make decisions quickly, back yourself, and keep momentum high.

As The Head of Category:

• Define and execute the category vision - building a compelling, competitive range that wins market share and drives cash.
• Set and manage availability targets, channel strategy, range architecture and performance metrics.
• Be accountable for sales, margin, promotional planning and stock health.
• Negotiate and structure branded partnerships
• Manage suppliers firmly but fairly
• Track shipments and proactively manage delays
• Escalate when needed
• Protect supply continuity
• Safeguard working capital
• Run quarterly business planning cycles, secure competitive terms and ensure suppliers deliver against commitments.
• Manage stock investment carefully, balancing availability with working capital efficiency.
• You'll lead, develop and stretch a high-performing buying and demand planning team.
• Work closely with supply chain, marketing, ecommerce, service and commercial teams to ensure execution matches ambition.