<dt class="rm-fieldTitle">Description</dt><dd class="rm-fieldData"><p class=""><strong><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Junior Category Manager | Clothing, Footwear &amp; Accessories | £28,000 - £32,000 + Benefits | Manchester | Hybrid Working </span></strong><br class=""><br class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Requirements:</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Willingness to travel internationally, including the Far East and Europe, as well as within the UK</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Office based 3 days per week </span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Experience from a retailer or online brand - must be experienced in clothing, footwear or accessories </span></li></ul><p class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">The Role:</span><br class=""><br class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">This is a hands-on, product-focused role sitting at the heart of a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business. Working across multiple categories, you will be responsible for building commercially strong product offers; translating design and development into clear, market-ready ranges that drive sales and growth.</span></p><p class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">While you won't be responsible for designing the product itself, you will play a critical role in shaping how it is ranged, positioned, and brought to market. You will own your categories end-to-end, ensuring the right products are launched at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the right price.</span></p><p class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Collaboration is key as you'll work closely with Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Wholesale and Retail teams to deliver cohesive and successful product strategies.</span></p><h3 class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Key Responsibilities:</span></h3><ul class=""><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Build and manage commercially focused product ranges, ensuring strong product offers across key categories and sub-categories</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Define range architecture including price points, fabrications, fit, construction and category mix</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Work closely with Product Development and Design teams to translate concepts into clear, actionable product briefs</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Partner with Sourcing teams and suppliers (particularly across the Far East) to ensure product is delivered to the right quality, cost and timeline</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Lead and support supplier negotiations to achieve target margins and cost efficiencies</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Manage product lifecycle timelines, ensuring all key deadlines are met in line with the corporate calendar</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Own critical path management across product development, ensuring on-time delivery for all launches</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Analyse market trends, competitor activity and customer behaviour within kidswear to identify opportunities for growth and newness</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Build and deliver newness strategies, ensuring ranges remain relevant, trend-led and commercially viable</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Plan and manage buy quantities, ensuring alignment with trading expectations and seasonal demand</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Work cross-functionally with Marketing to support product launches, campaigns and key moments</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Provide samples and product information for key meetings, customer presentations and marketing shoots</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Maintain accurate product data and documentation within PLM systems</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Establish and manage testing requirements to ensure product quality and compliance</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Conduct regular reviews of product performance, identifying opportunities to trade, optimise and drive sales</span></li></ul><h3 class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Skills &amp; Experience:</span></h3><ul class=""><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Previous experience in merchandising, product, buying or sourcing within a retail environment </span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Strong commercial awareness with the ability to build and trade product ranges effectively</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Experience working with suppliers, ideally across the Far East</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Strong numerical and analytical skills, with confidence in planning quantities and pricing structures</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Highly organised with excellent attention to detail</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Proactive, "can-do" attitude with an entrepreneurial mindset</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Creative thinker with the ability to spot trends and translate them into commercial opportunities</span></li><li class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">BH35853</span></p></dd>