Category Manager (Altrincham, GB)

Opportunity Review: Category Manager (Fixed Term Contract) at AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel, a global leader in paints and coatings with a rich history dating back to 1792, presents an exciting 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity for a Category Manager in Altrincham. This role offers a chance to contribute significantly to the company's mission of bringing surfaces to life and driving sustainable solutions. If you're a motivated and experienced professional looking to make a tangible impact within a renowned organization, this position warrants serious consideration.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Prestigious Brand Association: You'll be working with world-class brands like Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon, gaining experience with products trusted by customers worldwide. This association can significantly enhance your professional profile.
• Strategic Impact: This role places you at the forefront of driving category performance. You'll have the autonomy to develop and execute category strategies, manage key supplier relationships, and directly influence commercial outcomes and market position.
• Career Development: While a fixed-term contract, this position offers invaluable experience in strategic category management, supplier negotiation, and promotional campaign development. These are highly transferable skills that will benefit your long-term career trajectory. The company's encouragement for applicants to apply even if they don't meet *all* criteria suggests a focus on potential and development.
• Competitive Remuneration and Benefits: AkzoNobel offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. This includes holiday entitlement, income protection, life assurance, staff discounts (including at Dulux Decorator Centres), a company pension scheme, and access to flexible benefits like Gymflex and dental cover.
• Focus on Sustainability: AkzoNobel is deeply committed to sustainability and "Painting a Brighter Future." If you are passionate about contributing to environmentally conscious business practices, this role aligns perfectly with those values.
• Supportive Work Environment: The company promotes a healthy work-life balance and mental wellbeing, with potential for flexible working options. Their commitment to an inclusive and respectful workplace is a significant positive factor.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term Nature: It's crucial to note that this is a 12-month fixed-term contract, intended to cover maternity leave. Candidates should evaluate this against their career goals and preferences for contract length.
• Experience Requirements: The role calls for an experienced category professional with a proven track record in retail or FMCG. Strong negotiation, strategic, analytical, and project management skills are essential. Candidates should honestly assess their experience against these requirements.
• Data-Driven Approach: Success in this role hinges on the ability to analyze category performance data, identify opportunities, and translate insights into actionable strategies. A strong quantitative aptitude and comfort with data analysis are therefore vital.
• Collaboration and Communication: The Category Manager will need to collaborate effectively with various internal teams and external suppliers. Excellent communication and influencing skills are paramount to navigating these relationships and driving projects forward.

Overall, this Category Manager position at AkzoNobel represents a substantial opportunity for an ambitious and skilled professional. It offers a chance to contribute to a globally recognized brand, hone critical category management skills, and be part of a company dedicated to innovation and sustainability. While the fixed-term nature should be factored in, the experience and exposure gained are likely to be highly beneficial for any candidate's ongoing career journey.