Junior Category Manager

Role: Category Management Support – SOR Entertainment

Provide comprehensive support to the Head of Category (HC) in managing the Entertainment category, while independently handling key steps of the product development and category management process.

Trends Analysis

• Collaborate with Regional Heads of Entertainment, Marketing, and Communication teams to identify key licensing, consumer, and market trends.

• Attend trade fairs and conduct store visits to gather innovative ideas and insights.

• Maintain regular contact with Trading Companies to collect new product ideas and opportunities.

Competitor Analysis

• Conduct global analysis of competitors’ assortments and campaigns with support from local teams.

• Monitor market positioning, pricing, and promotional strategies.

Category Strategy

• Collect and analyze data using Power BI to support strategic decision-making.

• Perform cross-comparisons (e.g., PLUS vs MINUS analysis).

• Collaborate with Supply Chain and GFT teams to ensure data completeness and accuracy.

Category Meetings

• Support the organization of weekly Operational Team Meetings.

• Assist the HC in preparing Category Reviews and presentations.

Licensing

• Align with the Licensing Manager on current and upcoming licenses.

• Manage the product approval process, including coordination of samples.

Design

• Draft Product Design Briefs for new products and key clients.

• Ensure validation by the HC before sharing with the Product Design team.

Product Development

• Prepare Product Briefs including proposed assortment, specifications, and target costs.

• Coordinate with the Sourcing Manager after HC validation.

• Manage approval sample processes (Silver Seal samples).

Packaging Development

• Draft Packaging Briefs in collaboration with Sourcing, Quality, and Sustainability teams.

• Oversee the full packaging development process, including:

  • Coordination with Creative teams

  • Translations

  • Photoshoots

  • Approval processes

• Manage Gold Seal sample approvals.

Cost Management

• Analyze cost structures and breakdowns.

• Collaborate with Sourcing to compare actual vs. target costs.

• Support the HC in cost evaluation and decision-making.

Retail Pricing (RRPs)

• Conduct in-depth market analysis to propose recommended retail prices.

• Provide data-driven pricing suggestions for HC validation.

Launch of New Ranges

• Prepare the Product section of the MIP (Marketing Implementation Plan) in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Ensure alignment with Licensing, Sourcing, Quality, and Sustainability teams before final validation.

Supply Chain & GFT Analysis

• Collect and analyze post-mortem data from Supply Chain and GFT teams.

Use insights to support ongoing category strategy improvements.