Category Manager - Clothing

We have an exciting opportunity for a Clothing Category Manger to join our Supply team here at our Head Office in South Shields. This role will be key to leading and managing the clothing category by developing and executing strategic objectives that align with Barbour's brand heritage, financial goals and customer needs. You will be responsible for optimising costs, fulfilment and supplier relationships to drive profitability and market share, all while ensuring our global supply base remains ethically and environmentally compliant.

• The role is based at head office in South Shields and the expectation is 4 days in the office and 1 day of home working., Deliver +95% end-of-month fulfilment performance and ensure Salesman (Agent) Samples are delivered on time for Launch. Navigate logistical challenges to minimise freight costs without compromising on high fulfilment standards. Collaborate with forecasting, planning, freight forwarders, and inbound teams to build responsive transportation models and robust lead time/MOQ parameters.
• Develop and execute category and supplier management objectives supporting 5-year plans. Build a diversified supply base to mitigate risk and develop contingency plans for global supply disruptions. Manage seasonal capacity planning, pre-positioning fabric/trims with suppliers to optimise lead times. Maximise intake margin through costing exercises, negotiation, and controlling PV and PPV.
• Work closely with Design, Product Development, and Technical teams to align sourcing and production with business needs. Onboard and train new suppliers following company procedures.
• Support ethical trade targets, ensure compliance across the supply base, assist the Ethical Trade Manager with factory engagement and monitoring, and drive traceability and transparency throughout our supply chain.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Category/Production team. Implement Personal Development Plans (PDPs), identify knowledge gaps, promote leadership development through mentoring, and serve as a key liaison across internal and external stakeholders.
  
  Proven track record in category management within the clothing, fashion, or retail industry, with strong knowledge of product lifecycles, sourcing strategies, critical path management, and offshore manufacturing (e.g., APAC region).
• Demonstrated capability in SWOT/risk assessments, cost structure and margin analysis, pricing, budgeting, and performance metrics.
• Proven ability to collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams (Design, Technical, QA, Logistics, Planning) and manage project deliverables and budgets.
• Familiarity with audit processes, SAQs, and sustainable sourcing initiatives.
• Proactive, solution-focused, resilient under pressure during seasonal launches, highly ethical, and a strong communicator across cultures and geographies.
• Experience with PLM, ERP, or supply chain systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Oracle), agile/formal leadership training, and 3-5 year strategic category planning.
  
  Discretionary Company bonus scheme
• Staff Discount
• Staff Shop
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Access to training and development activities to support your career development
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Operate hybrid & flexible working
• 4pm finish on a Friday
• Wellbeing support