Role Purpose

The Category Manager – Paint is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Paint category, ensuring strong commercial performance and a compelling customer offer. This role focuses on driving sales growth, optimising product assortment, and aligning category strategies with Leroy Merlin’s overall commercial vision. Working closely with the Group Market Leader and cross-functional teams, the Category Manager will deliver financial targets, enhance the customer experience, and contribute to sustainable category growth. Proven experience and knowledge of paint products, brands, suppliers, and market trends will be a distinct advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement category-specific strategies aligned with market trends and customer needs

• Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and competitive advantage

• Support the development of long-term category growth plans

• Understand customer preferences, behaviors, and buying patterns

• Incorporate customer insights into category strategies and product selection

• Ensure a seamless, engaging, and customer-centric category experience

• Oversee product assortment, pricing, and lifecycle management

• Identify gaps and opportunities within the product range

• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate favorable commercial terms

• Ensure product quality, availability, and competitiveness

• Track and analyze category performance including sales, margins, and inventory turnover

• Monitor key KPIs and identify areas for improvement

• Implement corrective actions to improve underperforming categories

• Forecast demand and manage stock optimization

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Supply Chain, and Store Operations

• Support promotional planning and campaign execution

• Provide regular performance updates and strategic insights to the Group Market Leader

• Build strong supplier relationships and partnerships

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field

• 3–5 years’ experience in Category Management, Buying, or Merchandising

• Experience managing a Paint category or buying paint products is highly advantageous.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

• Excellent negotiation and supplier management abilities

• Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and reporting tools

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills