At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and drive commercial growth in sneakers and footwear.
- Company: Join eBay, a global leader in e-commerce transforming the shopping experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion while working with top brands and sellers.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and a passion for retail and sneakers.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
At eBay, we're more than a global e-commerce leader – we're changing the way the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We're committed to pushing boundaries and leaving our mark as we reinvent the future of e-commerce for enthusiasts. Our customers are our compass, authenticity thrives, bold ideas are welcome, and everyone can bring their unique selves to work – every day. We're in this together, sustaining the future of our customers, our company, and our planet.
About the role & team
The eBay Fashion team in the UK plays a pivotal role in shaping how millions of people buy and sell fashion on our marketplace. Sitting at the heart of our UK business, the team leads category strategy, commercial growth and buyer experience across pre‑loved and new‑in fashion – from streetwear and sneakers to luxury and designer.
We're hiring a Category Manager – Sneakers and Footwear, within Clothing to lead the strategy, commercial delivery and seller ecosystem that drives category health. This role sits at the intersection of brand, trade, product and seller experience: you'll craft long‑term strategy, run high‑impact commercial programs, build partnerships with top brands and sellers, and work cross‑functionally to lift GMV, conversion and customer trust.
What you'll accomplish
- Own the category strategy and roadmap.
- Develop and execute seasonal trade plans, promotional calendars and tentpole programming that grow GMV, conversion and buyer engagement.
- Identify, onboard and scale strategic sellers and direct‑brand partnerships (RaaS), negotiating commercial terms and shaping joint go‑to‑market plans.
- Lead cross‑functional delivery with Product, Marketing, Live, Seller Growth, Auth Ops, and GSD to ensure seamless execution.
- Use eBay, market and competitive insight (including structured benchmarks) to support strategic projects, inform product prioritisation and make commercial decisions.
- Forecast category performance, present to senior leadership, and own corrective action where targets are at risk.
- Surface risks (operational, authenticity, policy) and put mitigations in place to protect buyer/seller experience.
What you'll bring
- We would love to hear from you if you have a passion for retail & e‑commerce, and an interest in sneakers and footwear.
- Demonstrated experience in category management, e‑commerce or partner strategy.
- Track record of driving GMV growth and managing high‑performing seller or brand portfolios, including negotiating complex commercial arrangements with brands and sellers.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills; confident presenting to senior leaders.
- Strategic problem solver and self‑starter with a strong action‑orientation, operating with agility and easily adapting to change.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills – comfortable analysing data and summarising large amounts of information into prioritised, actionable insights.
- A customer‑first approach with demonstrated ability to balance commercial ambition and trust/safety requirements.
- Ability and willingness to travel to support events and seller engagements, including occasional weekends.
Additional Details
eBay is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status.
Category Manager - Sneakers and Footwear employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
At eBay, we foster a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions innovation and authenticity, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about retail and e-commerce. As a Category Manager in the UK, you'll have the opportunity to lead impactful strategies within a dynamic team, while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a commitment to sustainability. Join us in shaping the future of fashion on our marketplace, where your unique contributions are valued and celebrated.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Sneakers and Footwear
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already at eBay. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching eBay's culture and values. Show us how your passion for sneakers and footwear aligns with our mission. We love seeing candidates who genuinely connect with what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in category management and how you've driven growth. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that energy to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the eBay family.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Sneakers and Footwear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for sneakers and footwear right from the start! Mention any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the category, as this will help us understand why you're a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in category management and e-commerce. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Data-Driven:Since we love numbers, include specific examples of how you've driven GMV growth or managed seller portfolios in the past. Use data to back up your claims, as this will show us your analytical skills and commercial mindset.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure your application reaches the right hands and you get the best chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Sneakers
Dive deep into the world of sneakers and footwear. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular brands, and what makes a sneaker desirable. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the category.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed market trends or seller performance to inform your strategies. Being able to translate complex data into actionable insights is key for this role.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Think about times when you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you influenced senior leaders or collaborated cross-functionally. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the complexities of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges, like negotiating with a difficult seller or launching a new product line. Practising your responses will help you articulate your strategic problem-solving skills and adaptability during the interview.
