Contract: Fixed Term, 12 Months. Part-time, 22.5 hours.

Closing date: 23rd July 2025

Recruitment Partner: Katrina, katrina.wuk@boots.co.uk

 

About the role

Are you ready to gain international experience whilst maintaining residency in the UK?

The Category Manager role is a pivotal, strategic position, managing end-to-end category performance across multiple brands. Reporting to the Director of Trading for Ireland, you'll work closely with the wider Trading teams both in the UK and in Ireland , leading initiatives that drive growth, deliver on our customer promise, and support the Boots Ireland strategic objectives.

 

Key responsibilities

You will lead our Personal Care and Seasonal categories working on ranges as diverse as toiletries, Suncare and Xmas gifts.

Oversee and deliver the annual budget and strategic plan for the Category in Ireland, driving both sales and profitability targets.

Lead the development and execution of the category strategy, using market and customer insights to inform decisions on range, promotions, pricing, and supplier partnerships.

Build and manage strong relationships with main suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, securing investment, and driving joint business plans.

Collaborate cross-functionally with supply, finance, marketing, and store operations to land category initiatives effectively in-store and online.

Champion the customer – ensuring our proposition meets evolving needs through a compelling, competitive, and differentiated offer.

Analyse category and market performance, providing regular reporting and actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Identify and land new product development and exclusive propositions ahead of the market, positioning Boots Ireland as a destination of choice.

Represent Boots Ireland at supplier meetings and industry events, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of market trends and regulatory developments.

Build close relationships with Boots UK teams, aligning on strategy where appropriate and adapting plans for the Irish market.

Provide leadership and mentorship to the Assistant Category Manager and wider team.

 

What you'll need to have

Proven experience as a Category Manager or similar role within a retail trading or buying function.

Commercial acumen with experience delivering sales growth and managing budgets.

Experience in negotiation and supplier management, with the ability to build long-term partnerships.

Analytical experience interpreting data to drive decisions and confidence using Excel.

Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Organisation, resilience and prioritisation of tasks.

Passionate and committed to keeping the customer at the heart of decision making.

 

It would be great if you also have

Experience working cross-market or in a matrix environment, aligning local and central strategies.

Familiarity with Irish and UK retail markets.

 

Our benefits

Boots Retirement Savings Plan

Discretionary annual bonus

Generous employee discounts

Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child

Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and much more.

Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.

We have a great range of benefits in addition to the above that offer flexibility to suit you - find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Exclusions may apply, eligible roles only. Please note, any salary estimates given on third-party sites are not provided or endorsed by Boots and may not be accurate.

 

Why Boots

At Boots, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. As the heart of everything we do at Boots, with you, we change for the better.

 

What's next

If your application is successful, our in-house recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an interview and to answer any initial questions you have. If you have not been successful on this occasion, you'll be notified by email.

 

Where a role is advertised as full-time, we are open to discussing part-time and job share options during the application process. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best.

This role requires the successful candidate to complete a Pre-employment check after receiving an offer. Depending on your location you will be asked to submit either a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service), PVG (Protection of Vulnerable groups) or an Access NI Check.

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