Category Manager - The Panelling Centre - Dublin 9

Part of Grafton Group Plc, Chadwicks Group is the market leader in the builder’s merchanting industry in the Republic of Ireland. The core business is through the traditional Builders Merchants division. Main brands include Chadwicks, Cork Builders Providers, Davies & Telfords.  In addition, and through organic growth and acquisitions the Group have established a range of brands which are close to the core but offer a uniquely different range of products.  These include Heitons Steel, Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Proline & Sitetech.

The Panelling Centre

The Panelling Centre is Ireland's leading supplier of fitted kitchens, fitted wardrobes, flooring and appliances. The Panelling Centre team are knowledgeable about the materials used, the functionality and aesthetics of different products, and the latest design and utility trends in kitchen and wardrobe systems providing an outstanding service for their customers. 

Principle Objective

The Category Manger will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and developing product categories to meet customer needs and exceed sales and profit targets. We want the best product range to meet our customers’ needs and do this through a deep understanding of the category and building long term relationships with suppliers. The Category Manager will report to the General Manager of the business unit and will be key member of the business’ leadership team.

Knowledge & Experience 

• Proven experience as a Category Manager and ideally have knowledge of kitchen materials, industry regulations and market trends.
• Strong skills in analysing reports and market trends.
• Experienced in supplier management including international sourcing.
• Excellent Microsoft Office and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and diverse organisation.
• Strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the assortment and category plan for our kitchens business
• Develop the category to deliver your revenue and profit plan and deliver great quality products.
• Build a strong supplier base through a robust review of existing supplier performance and new supplier proposals.
• Identify and develop new fashion trends within the industry.
• Lead complex negotiations with key suppliers and ensure price is competitive and profitable.
• Ensuring the range and trade plans are delivered.
• Review new product developments and monitor market trends and react to changes in demand especially competitor moves, new products and price changes in the market.
• Forecasting and managing budgets effectively, always being cost conscious.
• Lead the category strategy review process and strategic change programmes and translate into clear plans to drive category growth.
• Provide training and support to the sales team to improve understanding and sales techniques of new product development strategies.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to stay updated on market trends and discover new product lines.
• Support branch inventory teams and manage inventory schedule.

Contract Type

• Permanent full time
• Full time 39-hour contract
• Working week Monday to Friday

Our Benefits Include

• Competitive Basic Salary
• Competitive Performance Related Bonus
• Private Health Care Allowance 
• Sick Pay Scheme
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Pension Scheme
• Colleague Saving Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• Colleague Discount
• Educational Assistance
• Wellness initiatives

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  At Chadwicks Group we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.  You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

DISCLAIMER: Chadwicks Group reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions of this Role Profile at its sole discretion and it is the colleagues responsibility to familiarise themselves with these changes. Furthermore, the provisions of this Role Profile are designed by Chadwicks Group to serve as guidelines rather than absolute responsibilities and duties.