Category Manager - Professional Workwear
Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.
Manchester | £ up to 40k dependent on experience
Ready to shape the future of workwear?
If you're passionate about product, thrive on turning market insight into commercial success, and love seeing your ideas come to life, this could be your next move.
We're looking for a talented Category Manager to take ownership of a growing professional workwear category, driving product development from concept to customer while balancing innovation, quality, margin, and market demand.
What you'll be doing
This isn't just a buying role. It's a chance to influence an entire product category.
You'll:
* Develop and build market-leading workwear ranges
* Research industry trends, competitor activity, and customer needs across the UK and Europe
* Work closely with design, development, technical, sales, and sourcing teams to bring products to life
* Source and develop innovative fabrics and materials that perform in demanding environments
* Manage product costing, margin targets, and supplier negotiations
* Travel to factories, fabric mills, and trade shows across Europe and Asia
* Use sales and stock data to make informed commercial decisions
* Present new ranges confidently to internal stakeholders and customers
What we're looking for
You'll be someone who enjoys combining creativity with commercial thinking. xsngvjr
Ideally, you'll have:
* Experience within buying, category management, product development, or sourcing
* A strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and performance standards
* Experience working with overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners
* Excellent analytical skills and confidence working with data
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
* The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Experience within workwear, PPE, outdoor clothing, technical apparel, or a similar product category would be highly advantageous.
Why you'll love it
This is an opportunity to join a business where product sits at the heart of everything they do.
You'll have the chance to:
* Influence a growing product category
* Work with international suppliers and manufacturing partners
* Travel across Europe and Asia
* Bring innovative products to market
* Collaborate with talented teams across design, development, sales, and sourcing
* Make a genuine impact on commercial performance
If you're commercially minded, product obsessed, and excited by the challenge of building great ranges that customers love, we'd love to hear from you.
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