What's in it for You?
* Own a high-growth adventure category– shape the national strategy for 4x4, touring & roof racks across a major retail network. Experience in the category is not essential
* Be the category voice – lead range, pricing and promotions in one of retail's most passionate customer segments
* Accelerate your career – a visible, commercial role in a role with broad exposure and genuine progression opportunities for performers
* Build powerful partnerships – work directly with leading brands, the private label team and suppliers to secure innovation, exclusives & strong commercial term
* Real rewards – competitive salary, flexibility, ongoing development and a workplace that values initiative and balance
* South-East location & flexibility: Modern, open, collaborative offices designed for connection — with balance built in for how you work best.
Who you'll be joining
You'll be part of a large, well-established retail group known for offering customers high-quality automotive aftermarket, 4x4 and touring products across a broad national store network. This is a business experiencing significant transformation — investing in people, technology, data, private brand development, supplier partnerships and customer experience to take its merchandise category functions to the next level.
The culture is supportive, collaborative and commercially driven. You'll join a Merchandise team that encourages fresh thinking, values commercially grounded ideas and empowers Category Managers to create retail offers that resonate with customers and deliver results.
What you'll lead
As the Category Manager – 4x4, Touring & Roof Racks, you'll take full ownership of a highly visible, fast-moving and enthusiast-driven category.
Your scope includes:
* Range & assortment strategy– build compelling ranges across branded and private label products
* Pricing & profitability – deliver competitive pricing while meeting sales, margin & growth targets
* Promotional planning – manage supplier-funded activity, campaign selections & execution
* Supplier partnerships – negotiate, secure commercial terms, strengthen relationships & identify innovations
* Inventory & stock flow – manage DC inventory, exit plans, and stock-on-hand thresholds
* Store engagement – share insights, communicate range decisions & support successful execution
* Data-driven insights – use customer, sales & competitor data to refine strategy and identify new opportunities
* Team capability – develop and mentor your Assistant Category Manager, supporting their progression
How you'll make an impact
* Build & deliver growth plans aligned to customer needs and commercial objectives
* Manage pricing files, category performance and competitive reviews
* Oversee promotional execution and measure campaign effectiveness
* Lead supplier negotiations, rebates and long-term commercial agreements
* Provide clear, insight-led recommendations based on market, customer and competitor analysis
* Improve operational efficiencies across inventory, demand planning & DC processes
* Partner closely with marketing to deliver strong customer-facing campaigns
* Drive category innovation & push continuous improvement
What you'll bring
* Proven experience -in retail category management and buying – all backgrounds will be considered however those with category experience in hardgoods, outdoor, hardware, automotive and/or lifestyle products will be viewed favourably
* Strong commercial judgement — pricing, margin, forecasting & financial acumen
* Excellent negotiation & supplier relationship management skills - this is a given
* Analytical capability — you work confidently with data and insights
* A customer-first mindset and an eye for product storytelling
* A proactive, curious approach — prepared to challenge, refine and improve
* Experience developing and coaching others is highly valued
If this sounds like you, APPLY now or if you have further questions, contact Gabby Symons at or for a confidential conversation.