Category Manager (Lightside)

Category Manager

Chadwicks Group – Island of Ireland Role

About Us:

Chadwicks Group is Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant, with well-known brands including Chadwicks, Cork Builders Providers, Davies, Telfords, Heitons Steel, The Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Proline, HSS Hire & Sitetech in the Republic of Ireland, and MacBlair in Northern Ireland. We’re proud to be ranked #9 in the Great Place to Work Index in Ireland and featured on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in Europe.

The Role:

As Category Manager, you’ll play a key role in managing and developing product categories across Chadwicks Group and MacNaughton Blair. Reporting to the Head of Category, you’ll help drive growth, support our central distribution strategy, and ensure we’re always offering the best range, value, and service to our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

         Category Growth:* Support the ongoing development and growth of existing categories, while helping to build new ones such as Garden, Lifestyle, and Electrical.

         Supplier Management:* Build and nurture strong supplier relationships, ensuring we get the best terms and the highest quality products for our customers.

         Stock & Inventory:* Monitor and manage stock levels across multiple locations, optimising inventory to meet demand and minimise aged stock.

         Promotional Activity:* Work with the team to deliver engaging promotional campaigns that showcase our range, drive footfall, and support our online and in-branch sales.

         Central Distribution:* Be a key contributor to the evolution and extension of our central distribution model, ensuring efficient supply to all branches.

         Stakeholder Engagement:* Collaborate with colleagues across sales, operations, logistics, and marketing, as well as with our suppliers and customers in both ROI and NI.

         Digital Support:* Support the development of our online trade platform, Chadwicks.ie, ensuring our digital offer is as strong as our in-branch experience.

         Market Insight:* Keep up to date with market trends, competitor activity, and new product developments, bringing fresh ideas to the team.

         Continuous Improvement:* Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.

         Teamwork:* Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture, supporting your colleagues and helping to make Chadwicks Group a Great Place to Work.

         Business Travel:* Some travel to branches and suppliers across Ireland and Northern Ireland is part of the role.

Preferred Knowledge & Experience:

*         3+ years’ experience in buying, procurement, or category management, ideally in building materials, retail, or a related sector.

*         Familiarity with construction materials, industry regulations, and market trends is an advantage.

*         Superb negotiation and relationship-building skills.

*         Proficiency with category management software and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).

*         Analytical mindset with great attention to detail.

*         Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-site organisation.

Essential Competencies:

*         Commercial awareness and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

*         Strong organisational and planning skills.

*         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

*         Ability to work as part of a diverse team and build relationships across the business.

*         Flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

*         Motivation to achieve targets and deliver results.

Key Performance Measures:

*         Revenue and margin growth in your categories.

*         Stock availability, aged stock, and inventory management.

*         Supplier performance and cost savings.

*         Success of promotional activity and new product launches.

*         Stakeholder satisfaction and feedback.

*         Contribution to team culture and continuous improvement.

Team & Budget:

*         Part of the wider category team.

*         No direct reports.

*         Purchasing responsibility: €50–100m.

What We Offer:

*         Competitive Salary & Performance Bonus

*         Private Health Care Allowance

*         Paid Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive & Fertility Leave

*         Pension & Colleague Saving Schemes

*         Profit Share

*         Colleague Discount

*         Educational Assistance & Wellness Initiative

*         Hybrid working (Monday to Friday, 39 hours per week - Typically 3 days on-site and 2 days remote) and Flexible start/finish time

Don’t tick every box‿?

We know that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re interested in this role but your experience doesn’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. At Chadwicks Group, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.