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Dawn

Category Manager Cover Letter Template

Professional template and example for Australian job applications

Category Manager Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager, I’ve built a solid track record in category strategy and product assortment, with a focus on sharpening price ladders and supplier terms. In my last role I helped a major retailer align category plans across 12 SKUs, which translated to a 5% uplift in gross margin within a single season. I’m comfortable using data to prioritise ranges, manage range reviews, and keep the business moving without overcomplicating the process. I’m drawn to [Company Name] because you’re real about balancing value and availability. My experience spans category reviews, pricing governance, and supplier negotiations, and I’m comfortable using tools like Excel and category management software to translate data into clear actions. I’m practical about trade-offs and keep the team focused on what matters for customers and the bottom line. In a recent project at [Previous Company], I led a cross-functional effort to optimise a flagship category. I renegotiated terms with several suppliers, trimmed underperforming lines, and expanded high-growth items. The result was a significantly improved assortment mix and a steadier sell-through rate, with better stock turns and fewer out-of-stocks during peak periods. I’m available to discuss how my approach could fit [Company Name]’s goals. I’d be glad to talk through my availability for a discussion this week or next. Kind regards, [Your Name]

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Matches your experience to job requirements

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What happens next: Our AI will match your skills to the job requirements, highlight relevant achievements, and create a compelling narrative that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Why This Category Manager Cover Letter Works

Opening Paragraph

Hook with specific achievement + role alignment

Skills Match

Maps experience to job needs + company research

STAR Example

Situation-Task-Action-Result with numbers

Professional Close

Forward momentum + availability

Key Requirements for Category Manager Roles

Essential Skills to Highlight

Make sure your cover letter demonstrates these key skills:

Category strategyproduct assortmentpricingsupplier negotiations

Tip: Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in your STAR example paragraph.

Core Responsibilities to Address

Align your experience with these typical responsibilities:

  • Manage product categories
  • optimize assortment
  • set pricing
  • negotiate with suppliers

Tip: Reference 2-3 of these responsibilities when describing your relevant experience.

Category Manager Cover Letter Best Practices

Structure (4 Paragraphs)

Opening (40-60 words): State the role and company, plus one compelling hook
Match (100-130 words): Map 2-3 achievements to their top requirements
Proof (80-100 words): One detailed STAR example with quantified results
Close (30-40 words): Confirm fit and invite discussion

Essential Requirements

  • • Length: 250-350 words (one A4 page)
  • • Australian English spelling and dates (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • • Address to specific person when possible
  • • No photos or personal details (DOB, etc.)

What Makes It Strong

  • • Specific achievements with numbers
  • • Company research in second paragraph
  • • Keywords from the job description
  • • Professional but personable tone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Generic opening lines
  • • Repeating your CV chronologically
  • • Including salary unless asked
  • • Exceeding one page

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