Category Management and Planning Manager Superstep/HOSS/Superkids

Job Purpose

To lead the category management function by creating and executing comprehensive product and category strategies that align with Superstep’s commercial and brand objectives. The role ensures optimal product selection, pricing, supplier relations, and performance tracking across categories to drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Category Management

• Develop and execute long-term and seasonal category strategies in line with the overall company goals.
• Oversee the planning and creation of category budgets and collection plans based on product depth, price, and variety.
• Lead the determination of sales price positioning and target costs per category.

Product Lifecycle Oversight

• Supervise product selection processes to ensure alignment with market trends and consumer demand.
• Ensure successful in-season management including Rapid Product Testing (RPT) and repeat orders.

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Build and manage supplier relationships to ensure favorable terms and reliable product supply.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and delivery terms to maximize commercial performance.

Performance & Market Analysis

• Analyze category performance, provide actionable insights, and implement improvements.
• Monitor market and competitor trends to refine product and pricing strategies.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Allocation, Planning, and Retail teams to ensure stock and product availability.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising to support in-store and window display concepts that align with category strategies.

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and develop a team of category managers and buyers, setting clear KPIs and performance standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Economics, Fashion, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in category management, preferably in fashion retail.
• Proven track record in managing high-volume, multi-brand environments.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Team leadership and talent development
• Supplier and stakeholder management
• Data-driven decision-making
• Proactive problem solving
• Excellent communication and presentation skills