Category Manager - Furniture & Homeware

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Category Manager to take ownership of a diverse and high-impact product portfolio, including Indoor and Outdoor Furniture, Lighting, Upholstered Furniture. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in furniture retail or eCommerce who can blend strategic thinking with hands on trading expertise.

You will be responsible for driving category performance, sourcing and developing product ranges, managing supplier relationships, and delivering margin and revenue growth across multiple product categories.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Ownership

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to inform product direction.
• Own full category P&L, ensuring delivery of sales, margin, and stock targets.
  
  Product Sourcing & Range Development
• Source, select, and develop commercially viable product ranges across all assigned categories.
• Build compelling assortments that balance trend, quality, and price architecture.
• Lead 360 product lifecycle management
  
  Supplier Management & Negotiation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate cost prices, lead times, and trading terms to maximise profitability.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and manage supplier performance.
  
  Trading & Performance Analysis
• Monitor category performance using data-driven insights and take proactive action to optimise sales.
• Manage pricing, promotions, and stock levels to drive conversion and margin.
• Collaborate with merchandising teams to ensure effective inventory planning.
  
  Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with eCommerce, marketing, and creative teams to deliver engaging product launches and campaigns.
• Support digital merchandising, ensuring strong online presentation and conversion.
• Partner with logistics and operations to ensure smooth product flow and availability.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Category Manager, Buyer, or Senior Buyer within furniture retail or eCommerce.
• Strong knowledge of furniture categories such as Bathroom, Solid Wood, Outdoor, Lighting, and Upholstery/Sofas.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple categories in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Experience working with international suppliers and sourcing processes.
• Data-driven mindset with proficiency in Excel and trading/reporting tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.