Category Manager

About the Role

The Category Manager position is based within the Direct To Retail (DTR) division, focused on managing commercial partnerships with major retail clients. This role requires driving distribution growth and revenue enhancement while managing the assigned product categories to consistently surpass financial targets. Essential duties include developing and nurturing relationships with key buyers and commercial contacts, and providing high-quality service to partners. The position involves occasional travel across the UK and Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Senior Category Manager to formulate strategic plans, offering recommendations relating to commercial and brand factors such as supply channels, franchise utilization, and commercial conditions.
• Achieve quarterly sales targets for specific product lines and franchises, regularly reporting progress to relevant regional stakeholders.
• Secure new product listings across various consumer segments and pricing structures with leading retail partners.
• Coordinate promotional efforts with cross-divisional projects and wider marketing campaigns to present a unified Warner Bros. brand in the UK market.
• Collaborate with internal Warner Bros. Discovery teams to optimize revenue generation at regional and global levels and support pitch processes.
• Conduct periodic business reviews with retail partners to assess performance and identify growth prospects; use range performance data to adjust future offerings.
• Track trends in the market, consumer behaviour, and competitors to help shape category strategies and product development plans.
• Ensure all category and promotional activities comply with brand and franchise standards by working closely with brand, marketing, and creative teams to maintain alignment and brand consistency.
• Represent the company at trade shows and relevant industry events.
• Leverage data-driven insights to uncover and pursue new growth opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience within UK and Irish retail sectors, knowledgeable of retail buying processes; familiarity with product development is a plus.
• Strong commercial acumen to convert content and brand potential into retail execution that meets financial goals.
• Ability to handle time pressures, prioritize effectively, and navigate multiple tasks to achieve business outcomes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the capability to influence stakeholders at all levels internally and externally.
• Diverse retail product experience, including some exposure to the fashion sector.
• Proven ability in data analysis and developing actionable strategic recommendations.
• Good understanding of marketing mix across relevant industry media and social engagement channels.
• Comfortable working within a matrix organization, adaptable to fast changes and ambiguity.
• Proven experience managing retail relationships and maximizing commercial returns for brand/product listings.