Category Manager

Category Manager

Full-Time 34000 - 38000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Zachary Daniels

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own and drive product ranges from concept to launch, ensuring commercial success.
  • Company: Fast-paced, entrepreneurial UK retailer with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a vibrant team and thrive in a fast-moving industry.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping exciting clothing ranges.
  • Qualifications: Experience in retail, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.

We're working with a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business to appoint a commercially driven Category Manager. This is a high-impact, product-focused role where you will take full ownership of your categories, shaping ranges, driving performance, and delivering commercially successful product strategies across multiple channels.

This is an opportunity to step into a role with real influence, where your ability to plan, build, launch and trade ranges will directly impact business growth.

Key Behaviours:
  • Collaborative - builds strong, effective relationships across teams
  • Commercially focused - understands how product decisions impact performance
  • Analytical - uses data to inform and improve outcomes
  • High standards - detail-driven with a focus on execution
  • Proactive - takes ownership and drives results
  • Entrepreneurial - thrives in a fast-moving, evolving environment

This role requires someone who can demonstrate:

  • How you plan and build ranges collaboratively
  • How you launch product successfully and on time
  • How you trade and react in-season to drive performance
About You:
  • Currently operating as a Junior Buyer, Category Manager or Account Manager within a retail or online environment
  • Must have experience across clothing, footwear, or accessories
  • Proven ability to plan, build, and trade ranges end-to-end
  • Strong commercial acumen, with a clear understanding of pricing, margins, and range architecture
  • Confident working cross-functionally to deliver ranges collaboratively
  • Experience briefing product with a clear understanding of costings and target price points
  • Strong analytical skills, comfortable using data to inform decisions
  • Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Confident presenter, able to influence and engage stakeholders
The Role:

Sitting at the centre of the product function, you will be responsible for translating ideas into commercially viable, market-ready ranges. Design and Development will support product creation, but you will own how ranges are built, positioned, priced, and delivered.

Your focus is to manage the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and supplier engagement through to launch and in-season trading, ensuring products land on time, meet margin targets, and resonate with the customer.

Working cross-functionally with Design, Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing, Wholesale and Retail teams, you will ensure alignment across all stages of the product journey.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Own the end-to-end performance of your categories, from concept to in-season trade
  • Build and deliver commercially focused ranges aligned to market trends, customer insight, and price architecture
  • Define clear product briefs, including target price points, margins, and product positioning
  • Collaborate closely with Design and Development to bring ranges to life
  • Lead supplier engagement, including sourcing, negotiations, and cost management
  • Develop strong relationships with UK, European, and Far East suppliers
  • Analyse sales performance and take decisive action to optimise trading
  • Plan and deliver seasonal range launches in line with the corporate calendar
  • Present ranges confidently to internal stakeholders and at senior level
  • Ensure all product data is accurately maintained within PLM systems
  • Work across multiple channels and markets, with a focus on building a strong menswear active offer

Category Manager employer: Zachary Daniels

As a leading large UK retailer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their roles. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us in the North West, where your contributions as a Category Manager will directly influence our product strategies and drive business success in a fast-paced environment.
Zachary Daniels

Contact Detail:

Zachary Daniels Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who work in clothing or footwear. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Highlight your experience in planning and building ranges, and be ready to discuss how you've driven performance in past roles. Confidence is key, so own your achievements!

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how your insights have led to successful product strategies.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and take ownership of their job search. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Category Management
Commercial Acumen
Product Lifecycle Management
Data Analysis
Range Planning
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Supplier Engagement
Negotiation Skills
Presentation Skills
Project Management
Attention to Detail
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability
Stakeholder Engagement
Market Trend Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in planning and building ranges, as well as any relevant achievements in trading performance. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully launched products or collaborated with teams in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!

Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role is all about data-driven decisions, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention any tools or methods you use to analyse sales performance and how you've used data to inform your strategies. We love a numbers-savvy candidate!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels

✨Know Your Categories Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand current trends in clothing, footwear, and accessories. Be ready to discuss how you would shape ranges and drive performance based on market insights.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare examples of how you've used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Whether it's analysing sales performance or optimising trading strategies, having concrete examples will demonstrate your analytical prowess and commercial acumen.

✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit

This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration. Think of instances where you've successfully worked with design, development, or merchandising teams. Highlight how you built relationships and drove results together.

✨Be Ready to Present

As a Category Manager, you'll need to present ranges confidently. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and engagingly. Consider preparing a mock presentation on a range you’ve developed, focusing on how it meets customer needs and aligns with business goals.

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