At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and manage licensing relationships for sports equipment.
- Company: Dynamic sports equipment company with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finish Fridays, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a strong focus on collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of sports merchandise.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or product roles, ideally in retail or e-commerce.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing sports equipment company, designing and supplying a broad range of own-brand training equipment alongside officially licensed merchandise for major football clubs, national teams, and global entertainment brands. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute Category Manager to take ownership of product strategy and performance across own-brand and licensed ranges, working closely with design, sourcing, marketing, and e-commerce teams to drive category growth and profitability. The successful candidate will be commercially minded, highly organised, and confident managing licensing relationships alongside product development and category performance, within a fast-paced, growing consumer goods business.
Key Responsibilities for a Category Manager:
- Own the product roadmap and category strategy for allocated categories, from concept through to launch.
- Manage relationships with licensing partners (sports clubs, leagues, and entertainment brands) to develop compliant, on-brand product ranges.
- Work closely with design and sourcing teams to develop new products and improve existing ranges.
- Analyse sales performance, margin and market trends to inform category strategy and identify growth opportunities.
- Collaborate with the e-commerce team to ensure categories are effectively represented and merchandised online.
- Manage product lifecycle across the category, including range reviews, discontinuations, and new product introductions.
- Prepare and present concepts, mock-ups and category performance decks for internal sign-off, licensor approval and key retailer presentations.
- Work directly with factories on product specifications, technical drawings, pre-production and gold seal samples, and packaging proofs.
Key Skills for a Category Manager:
- Proven experience in a Category Manager, Product Manager, or similar commercial/product role, ideally within retail, e-commerce, or FMCG/consumer goods.
- Experience managing licensed product ranges or brand partnerships is highly desirable.
- Strong commercial acumen, including product costing, margin management and pricing, with confidence interpreting sales and performance data.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to work confidently with internal teams and external partners.
- Comfortable working with e-commerce platforms (e.g. Shopify) and product data.
- A genuine interest in sport and sports merchandise would be an advantage.
Category Manager in Houghton Regis employer: Mixxos Group
Join a leading multi-brand organisation in Milton Keynes as a Social Media Manager, where creativity meets data-driven strategy. Enjoy a vibrant work culture that values innovation and collaboration, alongside generous benefits such as 25 days annual leave, early finishes on Fridays, and comprehensive healthcare for you and your family. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact across diverse consumer brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Houghton Regis
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Mixxos Group and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Mixxos Group are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Mixxos Group on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Mixxos Group. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Houghton Regis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Mixxos Group. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Mixxos Group:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Mixxos Group’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mixxos Group
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Mixxos Group will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Mixxos Group, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
