Ready to take the next step in your category career with a business that genuinely understands and partners the building merchants industry?

At STARK, one of Northern Europe’s leading building materials distributors, we’re strengthening our commercial team and looking for Category Managers who know what it takes to support branches, deliver the right product ranges, and build strong supplier partnerships. If you enjoy getting under the skin of your categories, understand the realities of merchanting, and want to make a real impact, this could be the ideal next move.

We offer a supportive environment where your expertise is valued, along with a competitive salary, staff discount, life assurance and 34 days’ holiday (including bank holidays). You’ll also have clear opportunities to grow your career within a progressive, branch-focused organisation.

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What you’ll be doing

Working closely with the Commercial/Category Director and Senior Category Manager, you’ll lead the business plan for the plumbing and heating categories – shaping strategy, driving sales and margin, and ensuring branches have all the products needed to do the job.

This role is central to how we serve our customers. You’ll be the “go-to” expert for P&H, influencing everything from supplier agreements to pricing, promotions, and product range development. We currently have vacancies across a number of categories would love to hear from you.

What you’ll bring

· Strong experience in category management or procurement within merchanting, construction products, or a related industry.

· A proven track record of building ranges that meet customer project needs and deliver budgeted commercial results.

· Confidence negotiating supplier terms based on facts, insight, and strong commercial judgement.

· A deep understanding of customer needs, market trends and competitor activity.

· Excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn data into clear, actionable plans.

· The ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

· Strong communication skills, able to engage stakeholders at every level—including presenting to board and supplier leadership.

· Determination, ownership, and accountability – always focused on delivering improvements for branches, customers, and suppliers.

· Good IT literacy across Microsoft applications and database systems.

· Willingness to support, coach and develop junior team members.

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Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

· Lead the 2–3-year category strategy, ensuring ranges deliver customer project requirements and meet sales and profit targets.

· Act as the first point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders on your categories.

· Negotiate and deliver supplier trading agreements aligned to group goals.

· Deliver clear reporting and insight on category performance, identifying opportunities to improve pricing, promotions, sales, and ranging.

· Understand and support STARK’s sustainability agenda, including responsible sourcing and category impact on emissions, packaging, and product circularity.

· Partner with STARK UK functions and local branches—helping them make great commercial decisions.

· Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams, adapting your approach to maximise collaboration and results.

· Support broader commercial projects and continuous improvement activities across the business.

· Role model safe, sustainable working practices.

Stark Building Materials UK is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis.  

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