Category Manager

Draper Tools is a family business with a rich history, a strong, supportive 'family culture' and a passion for continuous improvement. We believe everyone can make a difference, we value opinions, and we embrace new ideas.

Several recent events have led to Draper undergoing a period of transformation with ambitious growth plans. There is new wave of energy throughout the business, which means you'll need to thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy taking a proactive and collaborative approach and be comfortable adapting to change.

It is an exciting time to be joining Draper Tools and we have a fantastic opportunity for a Category Manager to join our Buying department.

As a Category Manager, you will work within our established team to increase our ability to bring new and innovative products to this fast-moving marketplace. You will use your expertise to lead, optimise and execute the buying strategies for a specific category, ensuring new and existing products remain competitive.

Required Skills and Experience

Identify, source, and deliver both individual new products and new product ranges, as part of category development plans
Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to identify new product opportunities. Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and evaluate with effective benchmarking
Identify new manufacturing opportunities and supply chain improvements, whilst developing effective relationships with our supply base. This will require a level of global travel to visit the factories and attendance at international trade fairs and end-user shows in the UK.
Ensure the ongoing requirements of the business regarding: item and range quality, cost price, sales benefits and features, item profitability and stock availability
Input into the design of product packaging and proofing of marketing and sales materials whilst adhering to the Corporate Brand Guidelines.
Work alongside our QA department both in the UK and Shanghai to ensure existing and new products are complaint with relevant UK/International standards and directives
Work closely with Sales and Warehouse teams to ensure a continuous supply of required stock inventory
Provide support and guidance to Buyers and Assistant Buyers when requested and support with their ongoing development
Take time to understand applications of the actual products.

Skills Required

Proven experience as a Category Manager or similar
Healthy practical interest in tools and related technology
Excellent, proven negotiation skills
Flexible, open to change
Team player
Good attention to detail
Focused and motivated
Methodical and organised
Excellent IT skills
Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines

Benefits

Holidays rising to 25 days *
Pension scheme
Private health scheme *
Staff discount on Draper products
Long service bonus *
Day off for your birthday
Cycle to Work Scheme
Employee discount scheme - discounts on gym memberships, groceries, holidays and more*After qualifying period

If you are interested in this position, please click the link below. This will direct you to our Applicant Tracking System where you will be able to apply for the role.

Draper Tools was started in 1919 when the founder, Bert Draper, sold government surplus and tools in markets around the Kingston Upon Thames area. This led to the purchase of the original warehouse, from which the Draper Tool Company Limited as we know it today was born, although at this time it was known as B. Draper & Son Limited and owned the trademark B.D.S. Although Draper Tools sold its own brand as early as this time, it was also a quality Engineers Merchant and Tool Wholesaler, selling brands that are well known today, such as, Britool, King Dick, Elliott Lucas, etc