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HSS ProService Marketplace

Category Manager - Building Materials

Stretford
Posted about 13 hours ago
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A Typical Day as a Category Manager

No two days look exactly the same here, and that’s part of what makes it work.

As a Category Manager, you’ll play a key part in keeping things moving for our customers, suppliers, and The Pros around you. You’ll take ownership, solve problems properly, and work with people across the business to make things simpler, faster, and better.

You’ll be trusted to get stuck in, make decisions, and see things through.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Category Manager for Building Materials, you'll take ownership of one of our key product categories, driving profitable growth through effective supplier management, commercial negotiation, and category strategy.

You'll develop strong supplier partnerships, identify new opportunities, support our sales teams with technical expertise, and ensure our Building Materials offering remains competitive, profitable, and aligned to customer demand.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver the commercial strategy for the Plant & Forklifts category, driving sustainable growth and profitability
  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to strengthen and diversify our marketplace offering
  • Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, and supplier terms to maximise margin and competitiveness
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, driving continuous improvement in service, quality, and commercial performance
  • Monitor supplier KPIs and conduct regular performance reviews, implementing improvement plans where required
  • Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and customer demand to identify new commercial opportunities
  • Maintain an expert understanding of Plant & Forklift products, specifications, and applications
  • Monitor category performance and implement initiatives to improve revenue, profitability, and market share
  • Provide technical and commercial support to Sales teams, helping maximise customer opportunities
  • Deliver product training and category updates to internal stakeholders
  • Collaborate with Marketing to develop campaigns that promote the category internally and externally
  • Work cross-functionally with Operations, Logistics, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless category management

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who knows how to get things done and works well with others to make it happen.

You don’t need to tick every single box, but you’ll likely bring:

  • Proven experience within the building services industry with strong product knowledge
  • Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreements
  • Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify growth opportunities and improve profitability
  • Excellent analytical skills with confidence interpreting data and making commercially sound decisions
  • Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
  • A proactive, self-motivated approach with excellent organisational skills
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced commercial environment
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

  • Previous experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Product Management
  • Knowledge of the construction, hire, industrial, or material handling sectors
  • Experience using ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel
  • Experience working within a marketplace or multi-supplier environment

Most importantly, you’ll bring the mindset of a Pro:

  • You take ownership
  • You communicate clearly
  • You work collaboratively
  • You look for better ways to do things
  • You see things through properly

What You’ll Get Back

  • 🌴 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • 🎂 Your birthday off every year to spend how you want
  • 🩺 Healthcare Cashback Plan with money back on things like dentists, opticians, and sports massages
  • 💻 Flexible and hybrid working
  • 💪 Free onsite gym at head office
  • 🎓 Training and development opportunities to keep growing your skills and career
  • 🛍️ Discounts and cashback through our perks platform
  • 🚲 Flexible benefits including Cycle to Work and Holiday Buy

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What It’s Like Here

At HSS ProService, we’re here to take the friction out of hire.

We’ve built a smarter, faster way for businesses to get the tools, equipment, and materials they need. We connect customers with trusted suppliers through one simple online marketplace.

But what really makes it work is our people. The Pros.

The ones who step in, solve problems, keep things moving, and make life easier for customers and each other.

We use technology, teamwork, and bold thinking to make things simpler, clearer, and better every day.

The Pros here are Progress Makers, Professionals, Problem Solvers, and Proud of the work they do. People who take ownership, back each other, speak honestly, and keep things moving.

That Means

  • Say it. Own it. See it through.
  • Bring in the people power.
  • Be straight, be clear.
  • Recognise the graft.

No big egos. No overcomplicated processes. Just good people doing good work together.

Different Perspectives, One Platform

We’re not all the same, and that’s what makes us stronger.

Great ideas come from different people, different experiences, and different ways of thinking.

Whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or looking for your next move, if you’ve got the skills and the drive, we want to hear from you.

Not sure you tick every box? Apply anyway.

If you have questions about the role or recruitment process, email ProCareers@hss.com, and one of the team will help you out.

We’re on it. Together.

Always making it better.

We’re building a revolution!

Big ideas. Smart tech. Great people.

We’re building something new and having fun doing it. If you’ve got ideas, energy, and up for a challenge, you’ll fit right in.

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“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica, London

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Skills

Supplier Management
Commercial Negotiation
Category Strategy
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Organizational Skills
Technical Expertise
Market Analysis
Relationship Building
Problem Solving
Product Knowledge
ERP Systems
Microsoft Excel
Team Collaboration
Decision Making

Location

Stretford, England, United Kingdom

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