Category Manager

Ref: AS1433889

South Shields, UK

£40,000

• Permanent
• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Retail Category Strategy

About the candidate

A seasoned category management professional with a strong background across clothing and retail, bringing hands-on experience in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, product assortment optimisation and cross-functional collaboration.

They are confident working with design, product, marketing and supply chain teams to build commercially focused category strategies that support brand values, customer expectations and profitability. With a proactive style and a clear focus on ethical trade and sustainability, they are well suited to fast-paced retail environments.

What makes them great?

• Commercially focused: Helped deliver a 15% increase in category profitability through cost-control measures and improved fulfilment processes.
• Operationally effective: Improved lead times and on-time delivery rates by 20% through stronger sourcing plans and supplier performance management.
• Cost conscious: Contributed to a sourcing strategy review that achieved a 10% reduction in procurement costs.

Areas of expertise

• Category Strategy: Experienced in developing and delivering category plans aligned to commercial targets, customer demand and seasonal trends.
• Supplier Management: Skilled in building strong supplier relationships, negotiating effectively and improving performance across apparel supply chains.
• Sourcing & Cost Control: Strong track record in strategic sourcing, procurement cost reduction, fulfilment improvements and sustainable supply chain initiatives.