Lead Category Manager

This role leads commercial and strategic decision making across defined product portfolios within a large, structured consumer environment. The position is accountable for shaping portfolio direction, optimising performance, and ensuring strong financial outcomes through disciplined planning, analysis, and execution.

The role owns decisions across portfolio composition, forward planning, availability, pricing, and partner engagement. It works closely with operational, planning, and commercial teams to deliver balanced, competitive and profitable outcomes across all customer channels.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio and Commercial Strategy
* Define and execute annual and seasonal plans across assigned portfolios
* Build and maintain well balanced assortments aligned to customer demand and commercial goals
* Own portfolio decisions from introduction through review and exit
* Adapt centrally defined frameworks to suit local market dynamics

Planning, Forecasting and Trading Performance
* Analyse sales history, trends, and external insights to support forward planning
* Develop accurate demand and performance forecasts
* Partner with planning and supply teams to support availability and continuity
* Review performance regularly and adjust plans to optimise results

Partner and Supplier Management
* Manage relationships with domestic and international partners
* Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, cost structures, and trading terms
* Coordinate timelines, availability, and delivery schedules
* Ensure all engagement aligns with quality, sustainability, and governance standards

Stock, Flow and Allocation Optimisation
* Monitor availability and flow to minimise excess and prevent shortages
* Recommend corrective actions for ageing or underperforming lines
* Support effective allocation across locations and channels
* Review losses, returns, and variances and implement improvement actions

Pricing and Margin Ownership
* Define pricing strategies aligned with commercial objectives and market conditions
* Analyse margin and profitability at portfolio and line level
* Identify opportunities to improve financial contribution

Launch and Execution
* Partner with cross functional teams on introductions and rollouts
* Monitor execution and proactively manage risks or delays

Reporting and Insight
* Deliver clear reporting on performance, margin, availability, and contribution
* Identify commercial risks and growth opportunities
* Use insights to support data‑led decision making

Collaboration and Leadership
* Work closely with finance, planning, supply, logistics, and operational teams
* Provide guidance and support to planning and coordination functions
* Manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment

Experience and Capability Requirements

* 5 to 7 years experience in commercially led roles within structured retail environments
* Demonstrated ownership of product portfolios, ranges, or categories
* Proven accountability for planning, forecasting, pricing, and margin outcomes
* Experience managing large assortments and structured planning cycles
* Strong supplier or partner negotiation experience
* Advanced analytical skills with strong commercial judgement
* Advanced Excel skills and experience using ERP or planning systems
* Business intelligence or reporting tool experience advantageous
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field