We are pleased to be working with a leading company that designs, manufactures and sells toys and sports products to recruit a Category Manager to join their team.  The Category Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of the products, along with the associated marketing strategy of the brand ensuring continued profitable growth on a global scale.

We are specifically looking for candidates with experience of product development and category management experience, ideally within a similar field (toys, sports, outdoor, leisure, fitness products). It is imperative that prior experience of working with products can be demonstrated on your CV.

Overview of role:

• Analyse target market data for insights and identification of new and emerging product, category and market trends.
• Effectively manage and deliver the NPD process from design creation to final production developing a balanced, effective product assortment that meets or exceeds revenue and margin targets.
• Acting as a true team player the Category Manager will work and communicate across functions ensuring that product launch, pricing and distribution strategies are communicated and delivered within timeframe.
• Work with overseas suppliers and implement strategies and actions that improve product quality, consumer value and/or reduce costs.
• Ensure new products and product lines meet market requirements whilst also achieving budget, targeted margins and timelines
• Develop new product and product strategies for different regions and sales channels whilst collaborating and participating in external sales pitches that support the sales function.
• Work with the sales function to integrate your category insights into the development of long term strategic plans that identify growth opportunities across major accounts.
• Work closely with the marketing and design teams to ensure brand positioning of product lines is consistent with brand guidelines.
• Communicate updates on projects and business results to relevant team project members, business partners, and others in a timely and appropriate manner

Key Attributes;

• Experience of Product Development with a good knowledge of the product creation process and working alongside overseas suppliers is essential.
• Successful track record within Category Management, ideally in a similar or adjacent industry with an understanding of consumer needs and the retail environment.
• Strategic and commercial mindset with understanding of marketing and sales principles
• Experience in other functions such as commercial buying is a plus.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Responsible and strong team player with a proactive, can-do attitude
• Track record of delivering category growth
• Ability to travel internationally (roughly once a quarter)
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to partner, collaborate and work with internal and external business partners.
• Ability to multi-task.

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