Paige Merry

An experienced category manager with years of experience in the fast-paced world of commericial & procurement, I have developed a keen eye for trends and a proven track record of driving category & retail growth. My background in buying and commercial has provided me with a deep understanding of inventory optimization and vendor relations, which I leverage to enhance product assortments and maximize profitability. My expertise lies in developing strategic category plans that align with consumer demands and business goals.

I am experienced at using market data and customer insights to inform my strategies, resulting in a consistent increase in sales. In my current role, I have successfully revamped underperforming categories, built supplier relations as well as managed supplier accounts to achieve growing margins.

Category Manager at Würth UK (2025-05 – Present)

Responsible for PPE & Workwear categories.

Category Manager at Etag Fixings (2024-02 – 2025-05)

Responsible for leading the tools and consumables categories (£12M annual turnover), overseeing strategy, supplier relationships, and product sourcing.

• Led end-to-end management of product assortment, pricing, promotions, and supplier negotiations.
• Collaborated with marketing, supply chain, and finance to drive margin improvement and sales growth.
• Led range reviews and SKU rationalization, cutting 10% of underperforming lines and increasing overall profitability.
• In charge Pimberly (product information management platform) across the whole business, making sure deadlines were met and liaising with the wider team on what was needed across the platform.
• Key point of contact for 100+ supplier accounts, this would include optimizing/retaining key suppliers as well as exiting supplier accounts not beneficial to the category performance.

Assistant Buyer at DCK (2023-06 – 2024-02)

• Ran negotiation & supplier management across 5 brands
• Part-time buyer meant I managed and led supplier communication on days the buyer was off as well as managing the BAA.
• Worked alongside design & merchandising to develop and build a range.

Assistant Buyer at Mountain Warehouse (2022-03 – 2023-06)

• Negotiated cost prices with supplier to meet margins
• Managed the BAA on critical path in order for product to be in the right place, at the right time
• Built a great rapport with the supply base and attended weekly phones calls
• Took ownership in fit sessions and made commercial decisions
• Supported the buyer in strategy and took ownership of my own departments
• Confidently presented to the managing directors, with supporting documents/sales analysis to back up my range

Buyers Admin Assistant at Mountain Warehouse (2020-02 – 2022-03)

Buying Work Experience at Marks and Spencer (2019-02 – 2019-03)

Sales Manager at River Island (2016-06 – 2017-09)

Followed company guidelines and ensured product was merchandised correctly in order to drive sales & maximise profit

• Conducted daily floor walks including windows and lighting to identify areas of opportunity
• Analysed commercial reports took action, making commercial decisions and delegating tasks
• Provided customers with ideas on how to wear the product, keeping up with the latest trends and competitor activity

Buying, Fashion – Fashion Retail Academy (2018 – 2018)

BA in Fashion Buying & Retailing, Retail Management – University for the Creative Arts (2015 – 2015)