Category Manager
6 days ago
Manchester
Category Manager | Clothing | Large UK Retailer | North West | £34,000 - £38,000 + Benefits | Hybrid Working \n\nWe're working with a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business to appoint a commercially driven Category Manager. This is a high-impact, product-focused role where you will take full ownership of your categories,; shaping ranges, driving performance, and delivering commercially successful product strategies across multiple channels.\n\nThis is an opportunity to step into a role with real influence, where your ability to plan, build, launch and trade ranges will directly impact business growth.\n\nKey Behaviours:\n\nCollaborative - builds strong, effective relationships across teams\nCommercially focused - understands how product decisions impact performance\nAnalytical - uses data to inform and improve outcomes\nHigh standards - detail-driven with a focus on execution\nProactive - takes ownership and drives results\nEntrepreneurial - thrives in a fast-moving, evolving environmentThis role requires someone who can demonstrate:\n\nHow you plan and build ranges collaboratively\nHow you launch product successfully and on time\nHow you trade and react in-season to drive performance\n\nAbout You:\n\nCurrently operating as a Junior Buyer, Category Manager or Account Manager within a retail or online environment\nMust have experience across clothing, footwear, or accessories\nProven ability to plan, build, and trade ranges end-to-end\nStrong commercial acumen, with a clear understanding of pricing, margins, and range architecture\nConfident working cross-functionally to deliver ranges collaboratively\nExperience briefing product with a clear understanding of costings and target price points\nStrong analytical skills, comfortable using data to inform decisions\nHighly organised, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment\nConfident presenter, able to influence and engage stakeholders\n\nThe Role:\n\nSitting at the centre of the product function, you will be responsible for translating ideas into commercially viable, market-ready ranges. Design and Development will support product creation, but you will own how ranges are built, positioned, priced, and delivered.\n\nYour focus is to manage the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and supplier engagement through to launch and in-season trading, ensuring products land on time, meet margin targets, and resonate with the customer.\n\nWorking cross-functionally with Design, Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing, Wholesale and Retail teams, you will ensure alignment across all stages of the product journey.\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\nOwn the end-to-end performance of your categories, from concept to in-season trade\nBuild and deliver commercially focused ranges aligned to market trends, customer insight, and price architecture\nDefine clear product briefs, including target price points, margins, and product positioning\nCollaborate closely with Design and Development to bring ranges to life\nLead supplier engagement, including sourcing, negotiations, and cost management\nDevelop strong relationships with UK, European, and Far East suppliers\nAnalyse sales performance and take decisive action to optimise trading\nPlan and deliver seasonal range launches in line with the corporate calendar\nPresent ranges confidently to internal stakeholders and at senior level\nEnsure all product data is accurately maintained within PLM systems\nWork across multiple channels and markets, with a focus on building a strong menswear active offerBH36077