At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product data, execute seasonal ranges, and coordinate imagery for a leading sportswear brand.
- Company: Join Mitchell & Ness, a heritage sportswear brand with a rich history and modern appeal.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, a collaborative culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Thriving environment focused on innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes the future of sports fashion and connects with fans.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management or merchandising, strong organisational skills, and a passion for sports.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Mitchell & Ness is a globally recognised heritage sportswear brand known for its premium craftsmanship, authenticity, and deep connection to sports culture. Founded in 1904, the company has built its reputation by producing high-quality, officially licensed apparel that celebrates the history of major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Renowned for its iconic throwback jerseys, vintage-inspired designs, and attention to detail, Mitchell & Ness blends timeless style with modern streetwear appeal.
The brand continues to resonate with fans, athletes, and fashion enthusiasts alike, making it a leader in the sports lifestyle market. Mitchell & Ness International is part of Fanatics Commerce, where we’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise – we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation.
We live by our BOLD Leadership principles: We Build Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.
Role Overview
This role plays a critical part in the successful delivery of seasonal product ranges, ensuring alignment with the critical path, commercial objectives, and overall product strategy. You will contribute to the development of consumer-focused assortments that resonate with partners, retailers, fashion focused consumers and fans. Working cross-functionally with merchandising and product teams, you will support the end-to-end lifecycle of seasonal ranges—from initial concept through to final execution—ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and on-time delivery. In addition to supporting broader team initiatives, you will take ownership of designated categories, independently managing their development and execution.
How you will make an impact
- Product Data & Systems Management
- Own the creation, maintenance, and integrity of product data across all systems
- Ensure timely and accurate data input, validation, and ongoing updates
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to gather and complete required data inputs
- Manage system updates related to team ID changes, fashion trends, and product lifecycle adjustments
- Product Range Execution
- Support the delivery of seasonal product line plans in line with critical path timelines
- Maintain accountability for product approvals, ensuring all milestones are tracked and met
- Drive follow-ups and actions from key merchandising calendar meetings
- Imagery & Asset Coordination
- Manage the ordering, tracking, and approval of product imagery via Airtable
- Coordinate closely with US-based imagery teams to ensure timely delivery of assets
- Project & Process Ownership
- Lead the end-to-end execution of key initiatives, including Hot Markets, Micro Moments, ISEPs, and Events
- Maintain and manage the overarching Hot Market calendar
- Coordinate MTO (Made-to-Order) handovers across relevant teams
- Commercial & Market Insights
- Develop market, competitor, and consumer insight reports to support product and merchandising decisions
- Conduct benchmarking analysis and respond to ad hoc data requests
- Translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations
- Go-to-Market & Launch Support
- Support the creation and delivery of product launch materials, including catalogues, order forms and multi-currency price lists, key marketing styles, and assistance with SMS gathering, showroom setup, and ongoing maintenance
- Operational Support & Continuous Improvement
- Manage and update the Local Print Programme Tracker
- Provide proactive administrative and coordination support to the wider product team
- Contribute to cross-functional processes, meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives
What You Bring to the Team
- Experience within a product management, merchandising, or product-led environment
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and self-manage workload
- Excellent analytical and reporting capabilities, with a data-driven mindset
- Confident communicator, capable of building credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Collaborative approach, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional alignment
- Ability to present ideas clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels
- Proactive problem-solver with strong initiative and attention to detail
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate change effectively
- Passion for product, with a strong understanding of consumer and category dynamics
- Strong interpersonal skills, including cultural awareness and active listening
- Energetic, self-motivated, and driven to deliver high-quality results
What’s in it for you
Culture: Join a team where you’re surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the consumer and fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you’ll be empowered to help shape our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
Benefits: At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate. Specific details regarding the benefits package applicable to your location will be shared and discussed during the interview process.
Product Category Manager in Manchester employer: Fanatics
Mitchell & Ness is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred on collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for a Product Category Manager. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, you will be surrounded by passionate professionals dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience. Located in a dynamic industry, the company offers competitive benefits tailored to your needs, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Category Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're genuinely interested in what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Product Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in product management and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering top-notch sportswear.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at Mitchell & Ness and contributing to their legacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sportswear:When writing your application, let your love for sportswear shine through! Mention any personal connections to the brands or styles that inspire you, and how they resonate with your own experiences.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in product management or merchandising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage product lifecycles and collaborate with teams, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves a lot of data management, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Include any past experiences where you’ve used data to drive decisions or improve processes—this will show us you’re ready for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Mitchell & Ness's product lines and their heritage. Familiarise yourself with their iconic items, like throwback jerseys, and understand how they connect to sports culture. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and show that you're ready to contribute to their product strategy.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, prepare to discuss your experience with data management and market insights. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to support product and merchandising decisions effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
Mitchell & Ness values a collaborative approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked cross-functionally in past positions. Discuss specific projects where teamwork was crucial to success, and how you navigated challenges with different stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage tight deadlines or navigate changes in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions, showcasing your proactive mindset.
