Details:
- Salary: £35,000 - 40,000 - Annum
- Job Type: Permanent
- Job Status: Full-Time
- Salary Per: Annum
- Location: Manchester Greater Manchester
- Date: 2 days ago
Description:
Category Manager - Professional Workwear
Manchester | £ up to 40k dependent on experience
Ready to shape the future of workwear?
If you're passionate about product, thrive on turning market insight into commercial success, and love seeing your ideas come to life, this could be your next move.
We're looking for a talented Category Manager to take ownership of a growing professional workwear category, driving product development from concept to customer while balancing innovation, quality, margin, and market demand.
What you'll be doing
This isn't just a buying role. It's a chance to influence an entire product category.
You'll:
Develop and build market-leading workwear ranges
Research industry trends, competitor activity, and customer needs across the UK and Europe
Work closely with design, development, technical, sales, and sourcing teams to bring products to life
Source and develop innovative fabrics and materials that perform in demanding environments
Manage product costing, margin targets, and supplier negotiations
Travel to factories, fabric mills, and trade shows across Europe and Asia
Use sales and stock data to make informed commercial decisions
Present new ranges confidently to internal stakeholders and customersWhat we're looking for
You'll be someone who enjoys combining creativity with commercial thinking.
Ideally, you'll have:
Experience within buying, category management, product development, or sourcing
A strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and performance standards
Experience working with overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners
Excellent analytical skills and confidence working with data
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environmentExperience within workwear, PPE, outdoor clothing, technical apparel, or a similar product category would be highly advantageous.
Why you'll love it
This is an opportunity to join a business where product sits at the heart of everything they do.
You'll have the chance to:
Influence a growing product category
Work with international suppliers and manufacturing partners
Travel across Europe and Asia
Bring innovative products to market
Collaborate with talented teams across design, development, sales, and sourcing
Make a genuine impact on commercial performanceIf you're commercially minded, product obsessed, and excited by the challenge of building great ranges that customers love, we'd love to hear from you.
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