Category Manager

Currently, we are looking for a new team member to join our Buying Department at Pepco as a:

Category Manager (Footwear & Accessories)

Your key responsibilities:

• Own the Footwear & Accessories category end-to-end, with full accountability for range selection, pricing, trading performance, markdown strategy and stock risk management.
• Develop and execute category strategy, leading in-season trading decisions to maximize sales, margin and stock efficiency.
• Partner closely with Planning and cross-functional teams to deliver financial targets and optimize category performance.
• Analyze weekly trading results, identify opportunities and risks, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver customer-focused, value-for-money product ranges.
• Drive product development and assortment selection, ensuring strong commercial positioning, quality and packaging standards.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiating cost prices, lead times and product quality.
• Monitor market trends, customer insights and competitor activity to identify commercial opportunities.
• Coach and develop the Category Assistant, creating a high-performing and collaborative team environment.

Skills and experience we are looking for:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Buying or Category Management within fashion retail.
• Experience in Apparel, Accessories, Footwear or another fashion category. Footwear experience is an advantage but is not essential.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial results through category management.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to balance customer needs, sales, profitability and inventory.
• Good understanding of product development, sourcing and production processes within fashion retail.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel. Experience with Power BI or similar analytical tools is an advantage.
• Fluent English (minimum B2).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong planning, organization and decision-making abilities.
• Customer-focused, proactive and adaptable to change.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 20% of working time).
• Availability to work at least 2-3 days per week from the office in Poznań.

You are bound to like your job at Pepco because we guarantee:

• Work in an international company featured on the Forbes list of the best employers in Poland and beloved by millions of consumers in Poland and Europe.
• A competitive salary and real opportunities for promotion - the development of our employees is the cornerstone of our strategy!
• Life insurance on preferential terms, to feel secure.
• An extensive benefits platform offering a wide range of options - including medical care, sports cards, events, trips, shopping vouchers, and more.
• Discounts on purchases at Pepco stores -  get your favorite products at even better prices!
• Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning (for IT - Udemy Business), giving you thousands of expert-led courses to support your professional development, build new skills, and learn at your own pace.
• The opportunity to improve language skills by working in an international environment.
• Free psychological, legal, and financial consultations as part of our employee support program -our employees' well-being is our top priority!
• Smart Lunch - meal subsidies for the company canteen, giving access to daily on-site dishes at discounted prices.
• Financial recognition in the form of jubilee awards, additional days off, and loyalty-based discounts for employees celebrating their work anniversaries.
• A social fund providing additional financial support to ensure security and assistance in various life situations.
• A friendly atmosphere and support from colleagues who are eager to share their expert knowledge - despite being a large organization, we’ve maintained a warm, informal atmosphere.
• A role within a unique organizational culture - Pepcoolture - where our mission, vision, and values are the foundation of our everyday work.