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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 benefits, professional growth, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team in a dynamic, hybrid work 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, with strong analytical skills.
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.
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: Learning Resources
Contact Detail:
Learning Resources 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 with potential colleagues 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, but someone who truly gets what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Category & Product Manager role. Highlight your insights, creativity, and commercial acumen, and don’t forget to share examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our award-winning team at Learning Resources.
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 values align with our mission to inspire kids and foster a love of learning.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in category and product management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your success in managing product lifecycles and driving commercial results.
Be Data-Driven: Since insight-led decision making is key for us, include any data analysis or market research you've conducted in your previous roles. Show us how you’ve used data to inform your strategies and decisions.
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 to join our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Learning Resources
✨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 management team.
✨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 strategies. 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 high-performing teams in the past. Mention any specific strategies you've used to set clear objectives and foster a collaborative culture.