Category Manager - Belowground & Utilities

Job description

Closing Date for Application: Sunday 16/08/2026 Polypipe Building Products are focused on delivering solutions to the residential sector. Polypipe Building Products works with national and local developers, plumbing and heating engineers, general builders and groundworkers to deliver above and below ground drainage systems, rainwater solutions as well as hot and cold plastic plumbing products. Part of the Genuit Group, we combine long-term stability with a culture built on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. We encourage fresh ideas, invest in development and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels like they belong. We're looking for an experienced and commercially focused Category Manager – Belowground & Utilities to take ownership of one of our most important product portfolios. This is a highly visible strategic role, responsible for driving the end-to-end performance of the category across all markets and sales channels. You will own the category throughout its entire lifecycle, from defining strategy and identifying market opportunities, through innovation and product development, to commercial delivery, lifecycle management and end-of-life planning. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain and Technical teams, you will ensure the portfolio delivers sustainable revenue growth, improved profitability and clear competitive differentiation. If you enjoy combining strategic thinking with commercial delivery and influencing across a complex organisation, we'd love to hear from you. What you'll be doing Defining and delivering category strategy by developing long-term roadmaps, identifying market opportunities and creating go-to-market plans aligned with business objectives. Using market insight to drive growth , analysing customer needs, market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities to shape portfolio decisions and future investment. Managing the product lifecycle from concept through to end-of-life, optimising the portfolio, supporting forecasting and working cross-functionally to maximise profitability and operational performance. Driving commercial success by owning revenue, margin and pricing strategies, monitoring performance and partnering with Sales and Marketing to deliver growth. Leading innovation and new product development , building business cases, managing the stage-gate process and ensuring successful product launches. Developing compelling value propositions and working with Marketing to deliver effective campaigns that strengthen the category's market position. Acting as the category expert , ensuring products remain technically compliant, meet regulatory requirements and support customers with accurate, market-leading product information. Building strong relationships across the business , influencing stakeholders, aligning priorities and leading cross-functional collaboration to deliver category objectives. About you You'll be a commercially astute Category Manager or Product Manager with experience of managing technical product portfolios in a manufacturing, construction, building products or industrial environment. You'll bring: Experience developing and delivering successful category or product strategies. Strong commercial acumen, including pricing, margin and revenue growth. Knowledge of product lifecycle management and new product development. The ability to turn market insight into commercial action. Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills. Experience working collaboratively across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and Technical teams. A strategic mindset with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach. Strong communication, analytical and presentation skills. Desirable Experience within belowground drainage, utilities, construction products or infrastructure markets. Knowledge of relevant product standards and regulatory requirements. Experience working across international markets. Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in Business, Marketing, Engineering or a related discipline. Working Hours & Benefits: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5:00pm Company car or allowance Competitive bonus Contributory pension scheme - matched up to 8% Life assurance Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay Save as you earn Sharesave Scheme Cycle to work scheme Various health & wellbeing initiatives including complimentary occupational health on-site physiotherapy and counselling services Staff discount on all Genuit Group products Free on-site parking Here at the Genuit Group we recognise and develop the contribution our people make to the Group’s success and are committed to attracting talent from the widest pool. We have a role to play in making the built environment more sustainable, building a low carbon business ourselves as well as delivering sustainable solutions at scale.