Paul Bangs
About Paul Bangs
Paul Bangs is a Category Director at Wickes, with over a decade of experience in category management and buying roles across major UK retail companies. His career includes significant positions at Tesco PLC and Compass Group, where he managed various product categories including kitchens, bathrooms, and entertainment.
Current Role at Wickes
Paul Bangs currently serves as the Category Director at Wickes, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he oversees the strategic direction and management of various product categories, specifically focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, and flooring. His extensive experience in category management allows him to effectively drive product selection and merchandising strategies that align with customer needs and business objectives.
Previous Experience at Wickes
Prior to his current role, Paul Bangs held multiple positions at Wickes, including Senior Category Manager from 2017 to 2019 and Head of Category for Bathrooms, Tiles & Flooring from 2019 to 2020. His tenure at Wickes has demonstrated his capability in managing and developing product categories, contributing to the company's growth in these sectors.
Career at Tesco PLC
Paul Bangs has a significant history with Tesco PLC, where he worked in various buying and management roles from 2007 to 2015. His positions included Buyer for Entertainment, Buying Manager for Food, Household, and Sports & Leisure. This diverse experience at one of the UK's largest retailers provided him with a comprehensive understanding of category management across multiple product lines.
Education and Qualifications
Paul Bangs studied at Rickmansworth School, achieving 3 A-Levels and 9 GCSEs. He furthered his education at The Nottingham Trent University, where he earned a 2:1 BA HONS degree in Business/Commerce from 2003 to 2007. His educational background has equipped him with the foundational knowledge necessary for his career in retail and category management.
Category Management Expertise
With over a decade of experience in category management and buying roles, Paul Bangs has developed extensive expertise in managing product categories related to kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, and flooring. His background includes both domestic fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and internationally sourced own label products, showcasing his versatility in the retail sector.