Category Manager

JR United Kingdom; South Shields; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the fashion industry is seeking a Category Manager to oversee supplier relationships and drive profitability in the supply chain. You will play a crucial role in aligning business objectives with ethical sourcing and sustainability practices while managing team development and operational efficiencies.

Benefits

Discretionary Company bonus scheme

Staff shop

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free onsite parking

Subsidised canteen

Qualifications

• Proven track record in category management.
• Experience managing product life cycles.
• Strong understanding of supplier relationships and sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the category to meet brand and financial goals.
• Navigate logistical challenges while minimising costs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design and technical teams.

Skills

Category Management

Supplier Onboarding

Sourcing Strategies

Critical Path Management

Stakeholder Collaboration

Sustainability Practices

Risk Assessment

Education

Experience in clothing, fashion, or retail

Knowledge of global logistics

Job description

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The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.

Position Overview:

We are currently recruiting for a Category Manager to join our Supply Chain team based at Barbour House, South Shields. You will lead and manage the category by developing and executing objectives that align with the company’s brand, financial goals, and customer needs. You will be responsible for optimising cost, fulfilment and supplier relationships to drive profitability, and market share, while ensuring the supply base is ethically and environmentally compliant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver Salesman (Agent) Samples on time for Launch.
• Navigate logistical challenges while minimising freight costs without compromising fulfilment standards.
• Work closely with forecasting and planning team to implement robust lead time and MOQ parameters.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders and the inbound team to build responsive transportation models, drive improvements.

Supply Base, Cost & Sourcing Development

• Develop and execute category and supplier management objectives.
• Support 5-year category plans and identify supplier capability gaps. Build a diversified supply base to mitigate risk.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally, work closely with design, product development/technical teams to align sourcing and production with business needs.
• Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions and monitor geopolitical, environmental, and economic risks.
• Onboard new suppliers according to company procedures and ensure proper training.
• Manage seasonal capacity planning. Work strategically with suppliers to pre-position fabric/trims to optimize lead-times whilst minimizing risk.
• Maximise intake margin, through costing exercises and negotiation.
• Control costs by minimising PV and PPV.

Sustainability & Ethical Trade

• Support ethical trade targets, to ensure compliance within the supply base.
• Assist the Ethical Trade Manager in factory engagement and compliance monitoring.
• Support in traceability and transparency across the supply chain.

People & Team Development

• Identify and close knowledge/skill gaps within the Category/Production team.
• Implement and maintain Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and training programs for team members.
• Promote leadership development through structured learning and mentoring.
• Serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure project alignment.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven track record in category management within the clothing, fashion, or retail industry.
• Experience managing product life cycles.
• Strong understanding of sourcing strategies, supplier onboarding, and critical path management. Experience working with manufacturers and knowledge of global logistics.
• Experience of using data and performance analysis to conduct risk assessments.
• Competence in analysing fulfilment metrics, margin performance, and cost drivers.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Cross-functional experience working with technical, design, QA, logistics, and forecasting teams. Ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
• Sustainability & Ethical Trade: Familiarity with audit processes, SAQs, and sustainable sourcing practices. Experience supporting or implementing ethical trade initiatives.
• Knowledge of sustainable sourcing practices, auditing standards and supplier ethical compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage timelines, budgets, and team deliverables.
• Experience developing and coaching team members.
• Understanding of end-to-end product development, from design to delivery.
• Strong grasp of global supply chain operations, including sourcing, transportation, warehousing, and fulfilment.
• Experience managing a product category with focus on margin optimization, planning, and performance analysis.
• Understanding of cost structures, margin analysis, pricing, and budgeting.
• Be solution-focused and proactive.
• Be able to work under pressure and be resilient.
• Capable of guiding and developing team members through structured coaching, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.

Additional Information:

• Flexible to be able to travel oversees if needed.
• Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff shop
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen

Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.