Category Manager

Category Manager | Greater Manchester | Circa £45,000 | Hybrid Working

We are partnering with a highly fast-paced, entrepreneurial business to appoint a commercially driven Category Manager.

This is a high-impact role for someone who is a trader at heart. Whilst inventory management, intake and product launches form part of the role, this is not simply about managing stock. It's about maximising every opportunity across all categories, driving sales performance and ensuring products are delivering their full commercial potential.

You'll take ownership of your categories from supplier engagement and product selection through to launch, stock management and in-season trading. Success in this role comes from being proactive, commercially curious and relentlessly focused on driving performance.

We're looking for someone from a Buying, Merchandising or Category Management background who understands how product, stock, pricing and customer demand work together to generate results. Someone who constantly has their finger on the pulse, challenges the status quo and leaves no stone unturned when identifying opportunities for growth!

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of category performance, driving sales, margin and stock efficiency.

• Monitor daily and weekly trading performance, identifying opportunities and risks quickly.

• Use sales, stock and market data to make informed commercial decisions.

• Proactively identify opportunities to maximise sales from existing stock positions.

• React quickly to changing customer demand and market trends.

• Develop and execute trading strategies that optimise category performance throughout the season.

• Ensure all commercial decisions are aligned to profitability and business objectives.

• Manage the full product lifecycle from initial supplier engagement through to launch and in-season performance.

• Build commercially balanced ranges aligned to customer demand, market trends and business goals.

• Define product briefs including target pricing, margin expectations and product positioning.

• Collaborate with brands and suppliers to curate compelling product assortments.

• Ensure products are launched on time, within budget and in line with commercial expectations.

• Continuously review category performance to identify opportunities for range improvement and expansion.

• Work closely with suppliers and partners to maximise product opportunities.

• Identify new sourcing opportunities and alternative supply solutions where appropriate.

• Ensure supplier performance supports category growth, availability and profitability.

• Make data-led recommendations that improve category performance.

• Monitor competitor activity, pricing and market developments.

• Produce regular trading analysis and performance reviews.

• Support forecasting and stock planning activities to ensure optimum availability and stock health.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience within Buying, Merchandising, Category Management or a similar commercial role.

• Strong understanding of category trading and commercial performance management.

• Proven ability to analyse sales and stock data and translate insights into action.

• Experience managing product ranges and supplier relationships.

• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of pricing, margins and profitability.

• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• Advanced analytical capability with strong Excel and reporting skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience working with branded products and supplier partnerships.

• Experience within retail, wholesale, consumer goods or product-led businesses.

• Exposure to international sourcing and supplier management.

BH36350