Category Manager - Outdoor Living

Category Manager / Senior Category Manager - Outdoor LivingDevon - office based 3 days a week minimum£50,000-£70,000 depending on experienceDo you know what makes a garden furniture range commercially successful?Have you developed products with Far East suppliers, spotted emerging trends and built ranges that major retailers want to buy?This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of an outdoor living category within an established, family-owned consumer products business.What's in it for you?This is not a role where you will simply inherit a finished range and maintain it.You will have the freedom to shape the category, influence future product development and build a long-term growth strategy.You will work closely with experienced Product Development, Design, Quality, Sales and Commercial teams, alongside established manufacturing partners in the Far East.There will also be opportunities for international travel, typically visiting suppliers two or three times per year.The business offers:A salary of £50,000-£70,000 depending on experience33 days' annual leaveCompany pensionEnhanced maternity and paternity payHealthcare cashback schemeProduct discountsFree on-site parkingInternational travel opportunitiesWhat's the job?You will take ownership of a growing outdoor living category, with a particular focus on garden furniture and complementary beach furniture ranges.You will use your knowledge of the market to identify trends, gaps and new product opportunities, translating these into commercially viable ranges.The role will include:Developing and delivering the category strategyCreating product briefs and range plansWorking with Far East factories and sourcing partnersIdentifying new products, materials and manufacturing opportunitiesManaging pricing, margins and supplier negotiationsReviewing category performance, sales trends and market dataManaging stock investment, forecasting and inventory healthSupporting Sales teams during product presentations and customer meetingsHelping major retailers understand the range, product features and commercial opportunityAttending trade shows, sourcing trips and supplier meetingsYou will have the opportunity to influence products from the initial concept through to launch, rather than simply selecting from an existing catalogue.What do you need?Direct garden furniture experience would be particularly valuable.You will need to understand how to build a commercially successful range, including materials, price points, product features, compliance, margins and customer requirements.Experience developing own-brand products and working with Far East suppliers would also be highly relevant.Most importantly, you will be entrepreneurial, product-focused and comfortable taking ownership. This role would suit someone who enjoys working within a growing, accessible business where decisions can be made quickly and good ideas are encouraged.What's next?For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Brian McGeachy at MorePeople.07375 967916TPBN1_UKTJ