At a Glance
- 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 benefits and a supportive, diverse workplace culture.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- 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 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Welcome to Learning Resources, where learning is where we play. Learning Resources Ltd., founded in Kings Lynn in 1994 to support the European, Middle Eastern, African, and Indian markets, 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. From ABCs and 123s to fine motor development and STEM exploration, our educational toys give children the building blocks they need to thrive and to 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. We’re proud to be accredited as a Great Place to Work.
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. Just as importantly, 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 in King's Lynn employer: Learning Resources (UK)
Contact Detail:
Learning Resources (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Category & Product Manager in King's Lynn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to their success. A confident delivery can make all the difference in landing that role.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Learning Resources.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Category & Product Manager in King's Lynn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and learning shine through. We love candidates who share our commitment to inspiring kids and fostering a love of learning, so make sure to highlight any relevant experiences or projects that reflect this passion.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific role of Senior Category & Product Manager. Mention how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around product lifecycle management and market insights.
Be Data-Driven: Since we value insight-led decision making, include examples in your application that showcase your analytical skills. Talk about how you've used data to drive product decisions or improve performance in previous roles. This will show us you can bring that same approach to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our award-winning team at Learning Resources!
How to prepare for a job interview at Learning Resources (UK)
✨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
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your 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
Highlight your experience working with various teams, such as marketing, sales, and supply chain. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful product launches or improved processes. This will resonate well with the company's emphasis on cross-functional enablement.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
As a Senior Category & Product Manager, you'll be leading a team. Discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed and motivated teams in the past. Provide examples of how you've set clear objectives and fostered a high-performing culture, which is crucial for this role.