Junior Category Manager | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories | £28,000 - £32,000 + Benefits | Manchester | Hybrid Working Requirements:Willingness to travel internationally, including the Far East and Europe, as well as within the UKAbility to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple prioritiesOffice based 3 days per week Experience from a retailer or online brand - must be experienced in clothing, footwear or accessories The Role:This is a hands-on, product-focused role sitting at the heart of a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business. Working across multiple categories, you will be responsible for building commercially strong product offers; translating design and development into clear, market-ready ranges that drive sales and growth.While you won't be responsible for designing the product itself, you will play a critical role in shaping how it is ranged, positioned, and brought to market. You will own your categories end-to-end, ensuring the right products are launched at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the right price.Collaboration is key as you'll work closely with Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Wholesale and Retail teams to deliver cohesive and successful product strategies.Key Responsibilities:Build and manage commercially focused product ranges, ensuring strong product offers across key categories and sub-categoriesDefine range architecture including price points, fabrications, fit, construction and category mixWork closely with Product Development and Design teams to translate concepts into clear, actionable product briefsPartner with Sourcing teams and suppliers (particularly across the Far East) to ensure product is delivered to the right quality, cost and timelineLead and support supplier negotiations to achieve target margins and cost efficienciesManage product lifecycle timelines, ensuring all key deadlines are met in line with the corporate calendarOwn critical path management across product development, ensuring on-time delivery for all launchesAnalyse market trends, competitor activity and customer behaviour within kidswear to identify opportunities for growth and newnessBuild and deliver newness strategies, ensuring ranges remain relevant, trend-led and commercially viablePlan and manage buy quantities, ensuring alignment with trading expectations and seasonal demandWork cross-functionally with Marketing to support product launches, campaigns and key momentsProvide samples and product information for key meetings, customer presentations and marketing shootsMaintain accurate product data and documentation within PLM systemsEstablish and manage testing requirements to ensure product quality and complianceConduct regular reviews of product performance, identifying opportunities to trade, optimise and drive salesSkills & Experience:Previous experience in merchandising, product, buying or sourcing within a retail environment Strong commercial awareness with the ability to build and trade product ranges effectivelyExperience working with suppliers, ideally across the Far EastStrong numerical and analytical skills, with confidence in planning quantities and pricing structuresHighly organised with excellent attention to detailProactive, 'can-do' attitude with an entrepreneurial mindsetCreative thinker with the ability to spot trends and translate them into commercial opportunitiesStrong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teamsBH35853JBRP1_UKTJ