Category Manager – Salt
Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork) Plc, otherwise known as IITC, was established in 1920 and we are immensely proud of having diversified and developed over time to become one of Ireland’s leading wholesalers of Hardware, Steel, Wire, Fencing Solutions, Salt, Bathroom supplies and Plumbing Materials.
The quality, expertise and commitment of our loyal employees has been the foundation of our success and will be the biggest driver of our business in further development. It is this passion about our industries and products which ensures that each of our customers, big and small, receives a bespoke and high-quality customer experience every time that they deal with IITC. Our business is underpinned by our 5 core values, as how we achieve success is just as important as being successful -Loyalty -Quality -Integrity -Respect & Inclusiveness -Unique customer service.
We are seeking a skilled Category Manager to drive growth and deliver strategy. Based in our Cork office, this role is ideal for an experienced and driven professional. In this role you will shape and execute strategic initiatives to optimise product portfolio, engage customers, and build market presence. This role includes responsibilities in market analysis, supplier management, product planning, pricing strategy, promotional activities, and more. Experience across our core product areas, including Hardware, Steel, Fencing Solutions, Salt, and Plumbing, or similar sectors, would be advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy Development:
Utilise market insights and thorough analysis to identify opportunities for portfolio growth and innovation. Develop and execute comprehensive strategies in alignment with organisational objectives, that drive sales, optimises margins, and manages costs effectively.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Collaborate closely with sales teams to ensure alignment on category strategies and sales activities.Work with finance teams to analyse category performance, forecast sales, and manage budgets effectively. Work with procurement teams to align sourcing strategies with commercial objectives, ensuring cost competitiveness and supplier performance. Coordinate with Operations teams to optimise inventory levels and ensure timely delivery of products. Work proactively to minimise cross functional issues & focus on value-add initiatives.
Market Insight:
Monitor market dynamics, consumer behaviour and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities/risks that inform portfolio decisions and strategies.
Business Division Performance:
Utilise data-driven insights to track performance against targets and forecast future trends.
Monitor and analyse performance metrics, including sales, margin, and cost, to identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise performance and manage budgets effectively.
Range & assortment:
Collaborate closely with procurement teams and suppliers to curate diverse and high-quality product ranges aligned to customer needs and commercial objectives.
Pricing:
Develop and implement dynamic pricing strategies informed by market dynamics and competitive positioning. Analyse pricing trends and competitive landscapes to determine optimal pricing structures.
Promotions:
Collaborate with marketing teams to develop compelling promotional campaigns. Lead the development and execution of promotional activities to drive sales and enhance customer engagement. Negotiate promotional terms with suppliers. Measure the effectiveness of promotions and refine strategies to optimise results.
Inventory:
Implement inventory optimisation strategies balancing customer demand and cost considerations.
Supplier Strategy & Procurement:
Develop and execute supplier strategies aligned to business objectives, ensuring strong, performance-driven partnerships that deliver competitive advantage. Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including supplier selection, negotiation of favourable commercial terms, and ongoing supplier performance management.
Identify opportunities for innovation, range development, and exclusive agreements, while ensuring cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and overall commercial value.
Customer Engagement:
Develop strategies to understand customer needs and preferences, leveraging insights to enhance the customer experience. Drive initiatives to enhance customer engagement and collaborate with sales teams to implement customer-centric initiatives and drive growth.
People Leadership & Management:
Lead, develop, and manage teams across the business division, ensuring clear structure, accountability, and performance standards. Set expectations, monitor performance, and address underperformance where required.
Foster a culture of engagement, ownership, and continuous improvement, while effectively managing and influencing long-tenured and cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives.
Qualifications & Skills:
Third-level qualification in a commercial or business-related discipline.
Proven experience (+7 years) in business management, preferably within the wholesale or retail industries.
In-depth understanding of Irish market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and develop cross-functional teams
Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Results-oriented mindset with a focus on driving profitable growth and achieving targets.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data analysis.
What we Offer:
Appropriate salary package & performance incentives
Permanent Role
Digital Wellbeing Platform
Pension Plan
Opportunities for career growth and development
Further Education Support
On Site Parking
Medical Expenses Reimbursement Scheme
Our company is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, socio economic or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.
[DH1]I don’t see anything in relation to people management skills. This role will require people management, development, mentoring , appraisal etc
If interested please apply with CV & Cover Letter to [email protected]
