Senior Category Manager, Fashion : 1 year Maternity Cover
Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are…
When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Your New Role
The Senior Category Manager Fashion drives the overall WBCP UK Fashion business through our licensee partners, with powerful commercial, retail, marketing, strategy and leadership skills.
The Senior Category Manager will be responsible for managing their business area, and meeting/exceeding all revenue targets. They will also establish, maintain and develop relationships with the relevant Fashion buyers and commercial stakeholders at all key retail accounts.
The role will also have line manager responsibilities for one team member, who oversees the Accessories & Footwear product areas.
The position will require regular travel to effectively manage & provide an excellent service to all partners.
Your Role Responsibilities
Will manage and develop all of our UK based fashion licensees.
Responsible for the delivery of revenues to agreed quarterly budgetary targets
Pitching and presenting to leading manufacturers of products within assigned categories and timelines. Negotiate contractual terms that meet/exceed the current company guidelines.
Establish, maintain and develop relationships with Fashion category buyers at all relevant retail accounts
Work with partners to develop comprehensive product ranges, across all relevant consumer areas and pricing architectures
Ensure that all products submitted for approval by licensees partners are on strategy and add maximum value to the franchise.
Work with relevant internal WB stakeholders to maximise revenues on a regional / global basis and coordinate pitches where required
Support and drive within areas of responsibility, the initiatives from WB CP, UK Franchise Management and UK Retail team. Employ strategies to support local country initiatives on your categories as agreed with Category Director and department head.
Mandate quarterly business reviews for all key licensees; covering product development, retail planning, marketing support and target revenue alignment.
Develop expertise and knowledge in assigned categories to high level, covering competitors and industry developments. Ensure this knowledge is shared with relevant WB internal stakeholders.
Recruit new and appropriate licensees for all assigned categories
Ensure that current licensee base is supported and serviced to a best in class standard.
Respect diversity and be a positive contributor to the teams of which you are part.
Share knowledge and assist in coaching other members of the UK CP team as our ever-evolving business develops. Ensuring best practices are shared, and all activations are learned from.
Other tasks as specified by the UKCP Leadership team as relevant
Skills and Experience
Retail/Category literate: Experience within the UK market at head office level is essential with a clear understanding of buying and product development processes – ideally with experience gained from retail, product development and brand licensing. Strong apparel knowledge with product development or experience is a must for this position.
Strong organisational & Time Management skills: able to perform well under time constraints, manage many priorities and to use time effectively to achieve business goals. Able to drive growth and progress in a changing retail and consumer landscape.
Excellent interpersonal skills: A strong communicator able to influence people at all levels within organisations; both internal and external to WB. Strong presentation skills.
Strategic/Analytical Planner: proven planning ability. Able to develop plans and strategies and to follow them. A methodical approach and attention to detail are also important. Proven ability to analyse data and develop actionable recommendations
Marketing literate: A good understanding of the marketing mix, across industry relevant media touch points, and social impact channels.
Self Starter: High degree of personal energy, motivation and ‘push’. Ambition and drive to succeed, with an ability to deliver progression for the business even in times of ambiguity.
How We Get Things Done…
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.If you’re a qualified candidate and you require adjustments or accommodations to search for a job opening or apply for a position, please contact us at recruitadmin@wbd.com.