Junior Category Manager

at  Associated Independent Stores Ltd

Here at AIS, we have an exciting opportunity available for Junior Category Manager to join our Flooring team based in Solihull. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary, depending on experience.
AIS is the UK’s and Ireland’s leading fashion, home and leisure buying group with a membership of 280 independent department stores and specialist retailers. We’re a membership of buying power, creativity and expertise. The business is now entering an exciting time of change, with a new Managing Director at the helm and a transformational agenda to bring a more commercial and customer-focused approach to this well-established and successful membership organisation.
As our Junior Category Manager you select and develop commercial, market leading, profitable and innovative products and ranges for members. Manage current, and secure new suppliers to drive the best terms, rebates, prices and product portfolio, delivering leading edge benefits and profitability for our members and AIS. Manage the shows in line with members and show income expectations.

• Work closely with the Selector and take ownership of selected product areas.
• Contribute to the overall Furniture & Home Divisional strategy by participating in product, brand and sales reviews with Director. Propose plans to drive sales and revenue through AIS and the wider Membership
• Manage the supplier base, identify new brands and suppliers, managing the onboarding process.
• Develop strong business relationships with suppliers conducting regular reviews to understand target customer, review turnover, discuss rebate targets.
• Source and develop products and exclusive’s in line with the critical path, to present at shows and or strategy meetings that meet member needs. Review margins to ensure they meet member expectations.
• Contribute to the creation of the Product Directories / Show Guides to present merchandise to Members and where applicable non-Members, working with Suppliers, Marketing and Events teams.
• Maintain a good understanding of the financial performance, ensuring the wider team are kept up to date with the objectives to increase member turnover.
• Attend weekly team meetings to discuss trading performance, store and supplier visits, product range updates, industry news, HUB and newsletter contributions and business updates.
• In conjunction with Selector carry out regular member visits to help build relationships and form category strategy and objectives. Liaise with both management and store staff to understand their business requirements and how AIS can support, adapting approach to meet member needs.
• Co-ordinate relevant product information and offers to post articles on Hub, working closely with the administrator to compile and send out to members on weekly newsletter.
• Ensure the Hub meets company criteria, encourage and assist members to engage and monitor member usage.
• Resolve member and supplier queries.
• Maintain awareness of trends with regular competitor shopping and visiting relevant trade shows.
• Identify and evaluate improved efficiencies, innovation and cost savings where appropriate.
• Support the Selector in confirming exhibitor list.
• Ensure overall show revenue achieves company budget plans, identify any sponsorship opportunity with key accounts to drive overall nett show revenue.
• Deliver innovation and newness to drive engagement at shows aiming to exceed visitor expectation. Work with suppliers to execute the best possible show stands.
• Manage show comms during lead up to show on the Hub and social media platforms. Provide relevant product information to Marketing team for use on social media platforms.
• Support the events and marketing team to maintain information on INDX website
• Support the events team to increase both the member and non-member attendance at shows.
• Support the Events and Marketing team with the planning, set up, breakdown and duration of shows.
• Attend and contribute to show meetings.