We are seeking a Junior Category Manager – Kids with strong sourcing, product development and buying skills to shape market‑leading ranges across global channels.
Responsibilities
* Conduct market research across UK and Europe to understand the range, key customers and multi‑channel distribution.
* Define clear range requirements for Design, including price points, fabric, fit and construction.
* Provide strong creative and brand direction to enable innovative design briefs.
* Maintain accurate product documentation and PLM updates, keeping teams informed.
* Lead fabric sourcing and development, issuing clear briefs and setting performance standards.
* Manage range handover and development with Design and Asia teams, resolving queries quickly.
* Understand pricing and key market price points, carrying out costing comparisons to meet strategy.
* Bring commercial product innovation from fabric mills, factories and industry events.
* Deliver confident range presentations at key meetings including strategy, sample reviews and launches.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Strong market knowledge of the outdoor kids apparel industry.
* High attention to detail.
* Awareness of industry and product specific legal and compliance regulations.
* Willing to travel across UK/EU for research and to Asia for supplier and factory visits.
* Competent user of Microsoft 365.
* Stay updated on competitor ranges, pricing and market trends.
* Skilled in building and checking product specifications (SMS and bulk).
* Strong understanding of fabric performance, testing standards and garment construction.
* 2 years' experience developing and buying ranges to target margin in a fast‑paced retail environment.
* Experience working with Asia teams, including regular trips and cultural understanding.
* Experienced in working with Product Development/Design and building to clear price points.
* Confident presenting ranges to small and large audiences.
Benefits
* Profit Share Bonus: Enjoy a discretionary bonus based on the company's success.
* Future‑Proof Pension: Secure your retirement with our comprehensive pension plan.
* Annual Leave: 25 days starting annual leave entitlement.
* Buy More Leave: Buy up to an additional 3 days of annual leave every year.
* Exclusive Discounts: Get special discounts across all our brands.
* Perks at Your Fingertips: Access a variety of benefits through our company website.
* Loyalty Rewards: Earn an extra day off for every 3 years of service, up to 2 additional days.
* Family Support: Benefit from enhanced Maternity & Paternity schemes after 2 years of service.
* Celebrate You: Take advantage of birthday hours to celebrate your special day.
* Wellness Walks: Join company walks to stay active and connect with colleagues.
* Inspiring Workspace: Work in a state‑of‑the‑art Head Office environment.
* Volunteer Day: Enjoy a paid day off to give back to your community.
* Hassle‑Free Parking: Free, secure on‑site parking for all employees.
* Delicious Dining: Enjoy meals at our subsidised canteen, featuring Starbucks coffee.
* Cycle to Work: Save on travel with our cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Fitness Perks: Access discounted gym memberships at various locations.
* Convenient Facilities: Freshen up with our on‑site shower facilities, complete with hairdryers and straighteners.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. Should you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we are happy to support you.
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