Company: Kelly Jennings and Associates
Location: Newtownabbey
Posted: May 16th, 2026
Brand Manager (Category Manager)
Mallusk | £competitive | Full-time, Permanent
Component Distributors Group is the largest wholesale distributor of vehicle parts in Ireland.
As part of its continued growth, the business is seeking to appoint a Brand Manager to take ownership of a portfolio of brands and drive commercial performance across pricing, supplier relationships, inventory and market positioning.
This is an opportunity to join a well-established and dynamic organisation and play a key role in shaping future growth, influencing profitability and strengthening the competitiveness of key product lines.
Reporting to the Procurement and Supply Chain Manager, the Brand Manager will join a high-performing commercial team and be responsible for managing and optimising brand performance from a commercial, procurement and supply chain perspective.
Your decisions will directly influence the commercial performance and profitability of the business. On a typical day, you could be analysing market trends, negotiating with suppliers, reviewing inventory performance and working closely with internal teams to mitigate risk, strengthen supply chain performance, improve margins and grow market share.
The role includes line management responsibility for an Inventory Planner responsible for replenishment and requires an analytical, commercially minded and personable individual who can take ownership of operational challenges and translate them into practical decisions that will maximise business performance.
Job Summary / Role and Responsibilities
Managing product assortment, pricing, promotions and inventory to optimise brand performance, including range rationalisation, SKU creation, exceptional orders and stock cleansing
Developing and executing comprehensive brand management strategies to achieve business objectives and drive growth, sales and profitability
Maintaining robust brand management tools and processes, ensuring daily, weekly and monthly routines are executed across the range
Monitoring and evaluating brand performance, leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures
Managing an Inventory Planner and ensuring, in conjunction with them, that availability, stock levels, routine purchasing and supply chain challenges are handled appropriately
Analysing market trends, sales performance, supplier information and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and gaps in the market
Collaborating with marketing teams to develop effective product messaging, positioning and communication strategies
Evaluating customer feedback and implementing changes to enhance the overall customer experience and drive customer loyalty
Managing and developing strong supplier relationships to improve brand offerings and negotiate favourable terms
Essential Criteria
Third-level education or at least three years experience in a similar role
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions
High commercial awareness and strong emotional intelligence
Understanding of pricing strategies, margin analysis and profitability optimisation
Proven experience of working in a fast-moving environment
Advanced spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) and data manipulation skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, maintaining ERP data and using software packages such as Phocas or QlikView for data analysis and reporting
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Ability to plan workload and work on your own initiative
Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality
Desirable Criteria
Knowledge or experience of inventory management and demand forecasting techniques
Industry experience is advantageous but not essential
Whats on Offer
Competitive starting salary, negotiable depending on experience
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.30 pm (fully site-based)
Training and development opportunities
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the criteria above and have full right to work in the UK should upload a copy of their CV in response to this advert. Closing date for applications is 12.00 on 1 June 2026.
Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact Kelly Jennings for a confidential discussion.
Please note that our client is unable to provide sponsorship at this time. Applicants must have full right to work in the UK.
Agency Notice
As the exclusive specialist search provider retained to deliver this assignment, Kelly Jennings & Associates is solely managing all applications for this position. Any unsolicited introductions to from candidates, agencies or search firms will be redirected to Kelly Jennings & Associates for screening and assessment. Neither Kelly Jennings & Associates nor CD Group will be liable for fees connected to unsolicited speculative introductions.
Skills:
Commercial acumen Stakeholder Management Product Management Inventory Optimisation People Management
Benefits:
Parking Paid Holidays
WHJS1_NI