CATEGORY MANAGER

Reporting to the Vice President, Product Development & Buying, the Category Manager is responsible for managing a specific group of products within a fashion retail business. This role involves overseeing the product lifecycle from selection to pricing and performance analysis, with the goal of maximizing sales, profitability, and market share. The Category Manager collaborates closely with planning, design, marketing, supply chain as well as our retail teams to ensure that the assortment aligns with brand strategy, seasonal trends, and customer demand. This role may support the Northern Reflections, RIcki's and/or cleo brand(s).

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and implements seasonal category strategies based on customer insights, sales performance, trend forecasts and business goals.
• Partner with Planning team to build plans and manage monthly forecasts.
• Set and manage category KPIs including sales, margin, turnover and inventory.

Assortment & Product Management:

• Curate the product mix for assigned department, balancing core, seasonal and trend-led items.
• Work with design and QA teams to influence product development and ensure quality and fit standards.
• Prepares and delivers quarterly product presentation to executive team. 

Supplies & Vendor Relations:

• Review vendor base yearly and recommend actions.
• Ensure critical path is followed for timely product delivery.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate cost prices, payment terms and delivery schedules.
• Conduct seasonal range review and ensure compliance with brand quality and sustainability standards.

 Pricing & Promotions

• Develop pricing strategies that align with margin targets and competitive positioning.
• Plan and execute promotional activities in partnership with marketing and retail teams.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sales data, customer behaviour, and market trends to inform buying decisions.
• Provide weekly and seasonal performance reports with actionable recommendations.

 Team Building

• Coach and develop Assistant Buyers
• Contribute positively to the company culture.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with retail operations to ensure optimum POS merchandise presentation and selling strategies
• Partner with marketing on product storytelling, visual merchandising, and digital content.

Requirements:

• 5+ years experience in fashion buying and/or category management. 
• Undergraduate degree in business, fashion management or a related field of study preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication and relationship building skills.
• Sound analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills. 
• Proficient with Windows applications (Excel, Word) and retail planning systems. 
• Excellent understanding of sourcing, construction, quality assurance and fabrications. 
• Strong vendor relations and ability to grow and develop new vendors.
• Ability to work and communicate positively with cross functioning teams 
• A team player who is accountable, adaptable to changing parameters, has a drive for results attitude and values working in a collaborative environment