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- Tasks: Lead product strategy and manage the full lifecycle of educational toys.
- Company: Join Learning Resources, a family-owned company dedicated to inspiring kids through play.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional growth, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of learning products and make a real impact on children's education.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management or category management, especially in toys or education.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Welcome to Learning Resources, where learning is where we play. Learning Resources Ltd., founded in Kings Lynn in 1994, is part of Learning Resources® Inc., a US‑based, family-owned company that has been helping parents and teachers inspire generations of amazing kids since 1984. Our educational toys give children the building blocks they need to thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning. We’re committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees, fostering a diverse and creative culture supported by a competitive benefits package.
Team & Position Description: The Senior Category & Product Manager plays an exciting role in shaping the future of the Learning Resources product portfolio across the UK and international markets. With end-to-end ownership of the full portfolio, this role sets the direction for what we bring to market, how the range evolves, and how it delivers sustained commercial success. Bringing together insight, creativity and commercial rigour, the role leads portfolio strategy across growth, innovation and lifecycle management - ensuring the range is focused, relevant and built for long term impact.
As the key partner to US product development teams, the Senior Category & Product Manager helps turn bold ideas into winning products and standout launches. This role leads and develops the product management team - setting clear direction, building capability, and creating a high performing, collaborative culture. Success is seen in a confident, high-quality portfolio, products that land brilliantly in market, and a high‑performing product team delivering strong, consistent commercial results.
What you’ll do day to day (responsibilities):
- Own and execute the end‑to‑end category strategy, managing the product portfolio across core range, innovation, extensions, and disciplined product exits.
- Develop and maintain multi‑year category roadmaps, translating global strategy and local market needs into actionable range and margin plans.
- Lead products through the full lifecycle, from concept input and launch to performance review and end‑of‑life decisions.
- Act as the primary UK interface to global product development teams, ensuring localisation, curriculum fit, and UK/EMEA market requirements are reflected.
- Drive insight‑led decision making through analysis of sales performance, market data, trends, and competitor activity.
- Serve as the product and category expert for Sales, Marketing, Amazon and Supply Chain, supporting line reviews, launches, storytelling, and issue resolution.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally on forecasting, demand planning, OEM schedules, partnerships, and licensed programmes to optimise availability and profitability.
- Lead, coach, and develop the product team, setting clear priorities, delegating effectively, and ensuring high‑quality delivery aligned to trading calendars.
What we are looking for (Key Performance Objectives):
- Insight Led Decision Making & Market Leadership: Become the recognised category expert within the first year by using data driven insights to shape global priorities and drive market relevant product opportunities.
- Portfolio Quality & Lifecycle Discipline: Within 6–12 months, implement strong portfolio governance through disciplined take/drop decisions and delivery of a three‑year category roadmap.
- Product Development & Launch Excellence: Within 12 months, ensure all product launches are on time, on budget, commercially robust, and continuously improved through post‑launch performance reviews.
- Cross Functional Enablement & Influence: Continuously empower commercial and operational teams by providing compelling product narratives, supporting launch execution, and resolving product issues quickly.
- People Leadership & Team Development: Within 6–12 months, build a high performing product team by setting clear objectives, developing capability, and delegating effectively while maintaining accountability.
Required Experience & Capability:
- Proven success in Category Management, Product Management or Product Development within toys, education, FMCG or consumer products.
- Strong commercial judgement and end‑to‑end product lifecycle ownership.
- High analytical capability with confidence using performance and market data.
- Ability to influence across functions and internationally.
- Clear, confident communicator able to lead line reviews and senior discussions.
- Strong working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Power BI desirable.
- Organised, disciplined and outcome driven, with strong attention to detail.
Sr Category & Product Manager employer: Educational Insights, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Educational Insights, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Category & Product Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show your passion for educational toys and how you can contribute to the team. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We believe that the more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Category & Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and learning shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of inspiring kids to thrive!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in category and product management, especially within the toys or education sectors. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Data-Driven: Since we value insight-led decision making, include examples of how you've used data to drive product success in your previous roles. Show us you can turn numbers into actionable strategies!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Educational Insights, Inc.
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Learning Resources' product portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their educational toys and how they cater to different age groups and learning needs. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the product strategy.
✨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 sales performance to inform product development. This aligns perfectly with the role's focus on insight-led decision making.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with different teams, such as marketing, sales, or supply chain. Be ready to share how you’ve influenced these teams and ensured successful product launches. This will highlight your ability to work collaboratively, which is key for this position.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
As a Senior Category & Product Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed team members in the past. Share specific examples of setting objectives and fostering a high-performing culture, as this is crucial for success in the role.