Sr Category & Product Manager Full Time

Welcome to Learning Resources, where learning is where we play. Learning Resources Ltd., founded in Kings Lynn in 1994 to support the European, Middle Eastern, African, and Indian markets, is part of Learning Resources® Inc., a US‑based, family-owned company that has been helping parents and teachers inspire generations of amazing kids since 1984. From ABCs and 123s to fine motor development and STEM exploration, our educational toys give children the building blocks they need to thrive and to develop a lifelong love of learning.

We’re committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees, fostering a diverse and creative culture supported by a competitive benefits package. We’re proud to be accredited as a Great Place to Work.

Come and join our award‑winning team today!

Team & Position Description

The Senior Category & Product Manager plays an exciting role in shaping the future of the Learning Resources product portfolio across the UK and international markets. With end-to-end ownership of the full portfolio, this role sets the direction for what we bring to market, how the range evolves, and how it delivers sustained commercial success.

Bringing together insight, creativity and commercial rigour, the role leads portfolio strategy across growth, innovation and lifecycle management – ensuring the range is focused, relevant and built for long term impact. As the key partner to US product development teams, the Senior Category & Product Manager helps turn bold ideas into winning products and standout launches.

Just as importantly, this role leads and develops the product management team – setting clear direction, building capability, and creating a high performing, collaborative culture. Success is seen in a confident, high-quality portfolio, products that land brilliantly in market, and a high-performing product team delivering strong, consistent commercial results.

What You’ll Do Day To Day (responsibilities)

• Own and execute the end‑to‑end category strategy, managing the product portfolio across core range, innovation, extensions, and disciplined product exits.
• Develop and maintain multi‑year category roadmaps, translating global strategy and local market needs into actionable range and margin plans.
• Lead products through the full lifecycle, from concept input and launch to performance review and end‑of‑life decisions.
• Act as the primary UK interface to global product development teams, ensuring localisation, curriculum fit, and UK/EMEA market requirements are reflected.
• Drive insight‑led decision making through analysis of sales performance, market data, trends, and competitor activity.
• Serve as the product and category expert for Sales, Marketing, Amazon and Supply Chain, supporting line reviews, launches, storytelling, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally on forecasting, demand planning, OEM schedules, partnerships, and licensed programmes to optimise availability and profitability.
• Lead, coach, and develop the product team, setting clear priorities, delegating effectively, and ensuring high‑quality delivery aligned to trading calendars.

What We Are Looking For (Key Performance Objectives)

• Insight Led Decision Making & Market Leadership – Become the recognised category expert within the first year by using data driven insights to shape global priorities and drive market relevant product opportunities.
• Portfolio Quality & Lifecycle Discipline – Within 6–12 months, implement strong portfolio governance through disciplined take/drop decisions and delivery of a three-year category roadmap.
• Product Development & Launch Excellence – Within 12 months, ensure all product launches are on time, on budget, commercially robust, and continuously improved through post‑launch performance reviews.
• Cross Functional Enablement & Influence – Continuously empower commercial and operational teams by providing compelling product narratives, supporting launch execution, and resolving product issues quickly.
• People Leadership & Team Development – Within 6–12 months, build a high performing product team by setting clear objectives, developing capability, and delegating effectively while maintaining accountability.

Required Experience & Capability

• Proven success in Category Management, Product Management or Product Development within toys, education, FMCG or consumer products
• Strong commercial judgement and end-to‑ end product lifecycle ownership
• High analytical capability with confidence using performance and market data
• Ability to influence across functions and internationally
• Clear, confident communicator able to lead line reviews and senior discussions
• Strong working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Power BI desirable.
• Organised, disciplined and outcome driven, with strong attention to detail

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