Responsibilities

• Own the strategy for own brand led stationery categories, including notebook, writing, gifting led stationery and adjacent ranges
• Source and develop own brand product including Far East sourcing and supplier management
• Own the brand proposition from concept to customer , brand name, positioning, visual identity , product naming, packaging and design direction
• Create relevant external brands and partners, including ranges such as Legami and Japanese stationery
• Work closely with creative teams to build a coherent and differentiated design aesthetic
• Take full commercial accountability for sales, gross margin, stock turn, markdown and terminal risk stock
• Establish clear brand tiering frameworks (Entry / Opening Price Point, Core Equivalent, and Premium Proprietary) to capture diverse customer segments and maximize total basket value.
• Partner closely with Category Directors, Marketing, Supply Chain, and QA to align shelf space, drive product velocity, and deliver a seamless end-to-end launch pipeline.
• Build deep, long-term relationships with key manufacturing partners, negotiating multi-category agreements and co-creating exclusive innovations.

Requirements

• Demonstrated track record in private label portfolio management, FMCG brand management, or retail category leadership at scale.
• Ability to think cross-categorically rather than within a single buying silo-focusing on net category cash growth, basket economics, and return on space.
• Proven ability to define clear product tiering, manage cannibalization risks against national brands, and drive NPD (New Product Development) stage-gate processes.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills with the commercial gravitas to influence internal trading directors and external strategic vendors.
• Comfort using customer insights, market share data, and financial modeling to identify whitespace opportunities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, company pension (with enhancement options), and a referral scheme.
• Generous holiday allowance plus an extra wellbeing day to recharge.
• Tailored training, structured career progression, and funded apprenticeship programmes.
• Exclusive discounts across all group brands (Ryman, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue), Cycle2Work scheme, and access to mental health first aiders and wellness support.
• A collaborative team with recognition awards and regular social events.