Looking for a role where you can thrive in a fast-paced retail buying office?
Do you have proven experience of developing and buying a range to target margin to meet company turnover through increased sales?
If so, we have an opportunity for a Junior Category Manager to join our Regatta Product team here in Urmston, Manchester to be responsible for the briefing, development, sourcing and Buying of part of the Lifestyle ranges, achieving target margin and delivery on time to the required quality.
This role will be on a 12 month fixed term contract to cover Maternity leave.
The Impact you will have in this role is:
Range Development
1. Market research of the Lifestyle men's and women's ranges led across UK and Europe, with in depth understanding gained of the Regatta key wholesale customer and own multi-channel distribution- retail, online and concessions.
2. The design and development team provided with a clear definition of range requirements, price points, fabric, fit and construction requirements.
3. Clear design and branding direction provided with the design team, ensuring the brief enables creativity and innovation.
4. Product range documentation and systems kept up to date as required with product and colours set up on PLM, with cross functional teams informed on updates.
5. The fabric development and sourcing led for the Lifestyle ranges, with prompt, clear and accurate fabric brief sent to the Asia team. Fabric performance standards, requirements, and guidelines set.
6. The hand over and development of the Lifestyle ranges led with the design team to the Asia offices.
7. Queries with the Asia teams clarified promptly with all development samples and salesman samples available for key meetings.
8. In depth understanding of the Lifestyle ranges sales price list and market key price points, with costing comparisons carried out pre and during development phase, with product developed to clear price point strategies.
9. Suitable and commercial product innovation bought to the Lifestyle ranges from Asia after fabric mills, garment factories and industry exhibitions visited in Asia.
10. Confident and enthusiastic range presentations presented at critical milestone meetings- strategy and samples review, sales launches, customer meetings and various group and retail presentation etc.
Analytical
1. Merchandising and Sales teams worked closely with and data from sales and stock reports understood and used when reviewing current and building new ranges, with SKU percentage growth, price points and margin analysis decided.
2. Sales Directors of key markets and divisions worked closely with, and commercially driven decisions made across all markets.
Costing / Buying
1. Products designed and engineered to a specific price point bringing commercial innovation to a slot.
2. The buying programmes, the 'where to cost' & buying summaries set up and managed for part of the Lifestyle ranges.
3. Trips to Asia undertaken with face-to-face price negotiations and target margin achieved on all products.
4. Supplier strategy and capabilities/capacities understood. Build solid supplier relationships and factory visits undertaken as necessary.
5. A solid sourcing structure worked on with the Head of Buying and the rest of the Category Managers with a smooth and efficient flow of bulk production.
6. The Xiamen team worked alongside with on time delivery of all own range orders and any delays/early orders to communicated to merchandising.
7. Fabric seasonal folders and UK fabric library set up and maintained. Knowledge of core and seasonal fabrics collections demonstrated.
Asia Communication
1. The process of development in Asia and the requirements of the teams in Xiamen office understood ensuring they meet Corporate Calendar deadlines and samples, and bulk are delivered to the highest standard.
2. Information and knowledge taken from Asia with understanding of what is and is not possible to achieve against requests made of them.
Corporate Calendar
1. A clear understanding of corporate calendar demonstrated for own team, achieving deadlines with guidance from the Head of Product and Head of Buying.
As our future Junior Category Manager, you will have:
1. Knowledge of building a specification for appropriate product area.
2. Understanding fabric performance, and testing standards.
3. Understand garment construction.
4. Experience of developing and buying a range to target margin to meet company turnover through increased sales, (min 1-2 years).
5. Experience in a fast-paced retail buying office.
6. Understanding of Asia cultures with experience of trips to Asia.
7. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and to deadlines.
8. Undertake trips across UK and Europe for research and Asia for supplier meetings, factory visits and fabric shows.
9. Strong delivery / service orientation.
10. Attention to detail.
11. Competent user of Microsoft Office.
12. Understanding of REACH and general product H&S, specifically children's H&S regulations - if applicable.
13. Thorough understanding of the Regatta supplier base code of compliance.
We can offer you:
1. Profit Share Bonus: Enjoy a discretionary bonus based on the company's success.
2. Future-Proof Pension: Secure your retirement with our comprehensive pension plan.
3. Annual Leave: 25 days starting annual leave entitlement.
4. Exclusive Discounts: Get special discounts across all our brands.
5. Perks at Your Fingertips: Access a variety of benefits through our company website.
6. Loyalty Rewards: Earn an extra day off for every 3 years of service, up to 3 additional days.
7. Family Support: Benefit from enhanced Maternity & Paternity schemes after 2 years of service.
8. Celebrate You: Take advantage of birthday hours to celebrate your special day.
9. Wellness Walks: Join company walks to stay active and connect with colleagues.
10. Inspiring Workspace: Work in a state-of-the-art Head Office environment.
11. Volunteer Day: Enjoy a paid day off to give back to your community.
12. Hassle-Free Parking: Free, secure on-site parking for all employees.
13. Delicious Dining: Enjoy meals at our subsidized canteen, featuring Starbucks coffee.
14. Cycle to Work: Save on travel with our cycle-to-work scheme.
15. Fitness Perks: Access discounted gym memberships at various locations.
16. Convenient Facilities: Freshen up with our on-site shower facilities, complete with hairdryers and straighteners.
Our Regatta Family:
The Regatta Group supplies quality outdoor clothing and accessories through our 3 great brands - Regatta, Craghoppers and Dare2b - whether exploring the Amazon rainforest, walking your dog in the local park or cycling the Tour de France, we have what you need.
It's a friendly, supportive family business - a place where bakers, dog walkers, book worms, students, parents, travellers, movie buffs, foodies, festival goers, musicians and more come together to create experiences our customers really appreciate.
The thing we all have in common, is that we share the same core values of Great Relationships and Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Our investment in the environment:
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and you will have the opportunity to support our Group wide sustainability committee and put ideas into action and really make a difference to the world we live in!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At Regatta Group, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Should you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we are happy to support you.
Take the leap-join us in making a difference, both for our team and the world around us!
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