Category Manager - Teamsports

Castore exists for one single reason to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of massmarket brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

The Role

Oversee all aspects of range management for the defined categories including segmentation and distribution. Supporting a DTC first approach in merchandising.

Develop and drive the GTM (Go To Market) plan within Teamsports across all distribution channels ensuring category business success.

Responsibilities

Work closely with design development and partnerships to produce bestinclass product against target FOBs and RRPs.

Manage the line list creation for each of the teams at the start of the critical path process and share this with Merchandising Product Development & Design to work from.

Establish range pricing to deliver against target margins volumes and value including pricing harmonisation across all categories.

Support sellin to partners sales and retailers where required.

Create impact in showrooms and GTM setup.

Develop defined parameterlevel forecasting in conjunction with merchandising team providing all relevant KPI reporting and provide any analysis related to the respective category.

Actively collaborate and support the partnerships team.

Create ranges within the category from both a brand image and a commercial point of view.

Define product launch calendars to ensure impactful launches and product flow.

Compile competitor analysis in all relevant local markets.

Carry out GTM plans ensuring critical path timelines are met.

Manage the concept creation process with partners.

Skills & Qualities

Skills and Experience:

Bachelors degree preferably in marketing/textile/fashion.

Consumerfocused with deep product and range understanding.

Ability to work crossfunctionally liaising with peer groups across the business to drive efficiencies and results.

Ability to work within strict deadlines and able to be adaptive to changes.

Comfortable in a fastpaced and everchanging business environment.

Excellent planning and organisation skills.

Flexible approach and willingness to further learn & adapt in a fast pace growing business.

Advanced user of MS Office suite of products.

Fluent in English (writing and verbal) second language beneficial.

Personal Qualities:

Excellent attention to detail & a natural problem solver.

Organisation planning able to juggle multiple projects at once.

Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Passionate about sports.

Confidence in own ability to challenge current ways of working whilst delivering recommendations for improved process.

Be a team player.

Be results driven.

Share our ambitious outlook.

Have a Better Never Stops Attitude.

What We Offer

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus scheme

25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

Modern city centre offices in Manchester

An opportunity to work with global sporting partners

Office breakout space with pool tables dart board and TVs

A chance to build a career with a fast paced high growth brand

Employee assistance programme

Generous staff discount