JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE :
Category Manager –Fitness & Training, Swim, Teamwear,
Baselayer & Underwear, Boxing & Outdoor
DEPARTMENT :
INTERSPORT UK
RESPONSIBLE TO :
INTERSPORT Head of Product
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Product Support Assistant
AUTHORITY LIMITATION :
The placing of orders against store commitments and as
authorised by the General Manager & Head of Product
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS :
Member Stores, Suppliers, AIS Personnel & IIC
OVERALL OBJECTIVES :
To harness the joint buying of the member stores in order to
increase their profitability and competitiveness
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Formulate seasonal merchandise plans for the approval of the Head of Product.
2. Arrange and attend product meetings, ensuring that minutes produced provide an accurate
record.
3. Create and maintain basic core ranges of merchandise as and when appropriate.
4. Select merchandise and negotiate prices from Suppliers and IIC. Analyse bookings and sellthrough data to maximise profitability within focus categories.
5. Develop the ranges on ‘Exclusive Branded Products’ (EBP) from IIC, maximising margin
opportunities for the INTERSPORT members. To monitor and develop, as required, an EBP
stock line business.
6. To be responsible for any uncommitted stock and to manage it effectively and profitably; in
conjunction with the Head of Product.
7. Check and confirm accuracy of all orders prior to the placing with IIC, via portal or directly
with Cenpac suppliers.
8. To create and monitor a merchandise critical path for all central deliveries and to ensure that
orders are chased and deliveries are made on time and to correct order quantities for
responsible product categories.
9. Work in collaboration with the AIS logistics department (for imported merchandise), to
ensure all orders arrive on time and are accurate.
10. Alert the Head of Product to any matters which may be of concern in the way of product
quality, prices, suppliers, deliveries etc.
11. Research new merchandise and assess new sources of supply for reliability and potential.
12. Visit manufacturers and trade fairs in the U.K. and overseas, as required.
13. Organise quarterly buying shows and present seasonal merchandise to Member stores with
a focus on core ranges and mandatory group buys.
14. Ensure continuity of merchandise and quality control.
15. Locate and negotiate sale merchandise or products for promotional leaflets or catalogues.
16. Liaise with members and suppliers by personal contact, correspondence, telephone and email.
17. Draft circulars to members and/or instruct department administrative support on information,
trading arrangements and offers to be circulated.
18. Take complete responsibility for all samples relevant to categories managed.
19. Keep constant check on multiples and other retail outlets, undertaking comparative shopping
where necessary and have awareness of their internet activity.
20. Plan promotional activities in collaboration with the Head of Product and the Marketing
Team.
21. Develop arrangements with major suppliers, within the policy of the Company Cenpac
operation.
22. Make visits to member stores and gain closer relationships with store personnel and keep
up-to-date with trading levels, brand shares, category splits, stock turn, realised margins and
return per sqm etc.
23. Advise member stores, when requested, on merchandise selection and departmental layouts and assist with buying budgets to improve margins and returns.
24. Attend as requested; internal, regional and merchandise meetings, IIC advisory meetings
and GTM’s.
25. To be responsible for the organisation of Category Steering Meetings. To organise all
required samples, seasonal deals, exclusive products and Retailer information.
26. Compile information for updating the Buyers' Guide, to make sure the information is always
accurate and current.
27. To work closely with Elverys and DW Sports and other key Retailers for the development of
their EB and CPD businesses, as well as the focus category lines.
28. Support the development of the INTERSPORT web platform with input into range selections
and pricing, as necessary.
29. Responsible for managing, coaching and developing the Product Support Assistant and
identifying any training needs.
30. Undertake any duties as may, from time to time, be required by the Company.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES
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A positive and enthusiastic individual with a passion for product.
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Sports trade experience would be preferable.
Must be willing to travel within the UK and Europe for this role.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
Organised with an ability to manage a number of tasks at one time.
An analytical approach with good attention to detail.
Experienced and confident in delivering presentations.
A team player who is able to work with others, but equally able to work alone and use
initiative.
Strong IT skills – experienced in Microsoft Office in particular Word and Excel (including an
ability to use pivot tables and V-Look ups).
Experience in PowerPoint would be an advantage.
Signed:
…………………………………………….
February 2016
Date: …………………………………..