Product Specialist (Ironmongery, Fastenings & Cabinetry) - Corporate Office - Merchandise at The Building Company

Description

• Develop and implement category strategies that achieve sales and margin targets across ironmongery, fastenings, and cabinetry.
• Manage product ranges, pricing architecture, and overall category performance.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships and negotiate trading agreements.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiencies.
• Lead product development, range reviews, and private-label initiatives within the portfolio.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive activity, and customer needs.
• Manage inventory levels to optimise stock efficiency and product availability.
• Lead tender and category projects from planning through to implementation.
• Analyse sales, margin, and inventory data to support commercial decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Stores, Planning, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to deliver category objectives.
• Present clear category recommendations and support the successful implementation of commercial strategies.
• Conceptualise, innovate, and operationalise solutions that drive continuous improvement in product, systems, processes, procedures, and best-practice standards.
• Work collaboratively with peers and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure optimal alignment of portfolio strategy and the achievement of sales and profit budgets.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Commerce, Retail Management, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Category Management, Buying, Merchandising, or Product Management.
• Proven experience managing supplier relationships, product ranges, and commercial performance (ideally within hardware, ironmongery, fastenings, or cabinetry categories).