Head of Category - 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)

About The Role

We’re on the hunt for a Head of Category to partner with some of the UK’s biggest electrical brands. You’ll take the lead on building and maintaining a winning product range, managing key relationships, and working hand-in-hand with our supply chain, marketing, and e-commerce teams to create the best shopping experience in the UK

Our people are our superpower, and we’re unstoppable when we’re together! We want your ideas to flow, and what better way to make that happen than being based onsite, 5 days a week, where our culture fuels creativity, collaboration and growth. If a £1 bet in the pub between two friends can become the UKs most trusted electrical retailer, imagine what else can be achieved when we’re together!

Here's What You Can Expect To Be Doing

• Set the Strategy: Take full ownership of planning and range decisions for your category. You’ll define the vision, set ambitious availability targets across all channels, and make sure our customers always have the best choice at their fingertips.
• Keep Things Moving: Lead the way on major space and seasonal changes, ensuring smooth stock flow and efficient supplier management. You’ll spot opportunities to improve processes and keep everything running like clockwork.
• Lead the Team: Inspire and guide a talented buying and demand planning team. You’ll develop their skills, nurture future leaders, and create a high-performance culture where everyone strives for excellence.
• Drive Sales: Be accountable for all sales and promotional planning within your category. From seasonal campaigns to everyday pricing strategies, you’ll make sure we hit targets and deliver results.
• Own Supplier Relationships: Build strong partnerships with key suppliers, secure the best trading terms, and manage quarterly planning cycles to maximise commercial performance.
• Work as One AO: Collaborate with supply chain, marketing, service, and commercial teams to deliver a seamless experience for our customers and keep AO ahead of the competition.
• Stay on Budget: Keep a close eye on stock and waste, ensuring compliance with budgets and driving efficiency across the board.

A Few Things About You

• Currently operating as a Trading Manager, Category Manager, Head of Category or similar roles
• Experience leading and developing a high performing team is essential
• Strong , negotiation skills, ability to learn quickly, and confidence to respectfully challenge received wisdom
• Highly numerate, with great attention to detail, and a natural ability to use data to identify opportunities
• Self-motivated, strong collaboration skills, and a willingness to go above and beyond for the team
• Highly tenacious, an ability to work well under pressure, prioritise and work within tight timescales