Category manager lifestyle (m/w/d)

The Category Manager Lifestyle owns the full end-to-end product strategy for the Lifestyle category across all 11teamsports Group banners. The role drives assortment planning, brand management, and buying execution to deliver net sales, margin, and stock targets. This is an individual contributor role with significant commercial accountability and direct brand contact at senior level.

Your Tasks

Category Strategy

• Define seasonal assortment strategy per banner - brand mix, price architecture, key stories
• Lead pre-season brand negotiations on terms, exclusives, and margin
• Build and own the seasonal buy plan aligned to budget and WOH targets
• Identify growth opportunities and whitespace within Lifestyle

Buying & Brand Management

• Execute preorder and reorder processes on time and within budget
• Own relationships with key Lifestyle brand partners at category level
• Drive trade terms alignment and annual brand planning
• Coordinate product selection with Brand, Marketing, and E-Commerce teams

Performance Management

• Monitor and steer weekly KPIs: Net Sales vs LY, GM%, WOH, Stock Value
• Initiate and manage stock cleaning processes proactively (RTV, markdowns, orderbook adjustments)
• Report category performance to Buying Director on a weekly basis

Your profile

• 3+ years in buying, category management, or merchandising in fashion/sportswear retail
• Proven track record of owning a category P&L or KPI set
• Experience in brand negotiation and trade terms management
• Strong analytical skills - comfortable with sell-through, WOH, margin analysis
• Fluent English; German is a strong advantage
• Direct experience with Lifestyle brands (e.g. adidas Originals, Nike Sportswear, New Balance, ASICS Sportstyle)

Why eleven teamsports?

• Full category ownership from day one
• Direct access to major brand partners across Europe
• A strong, ambitious team that wants to make a difference together with passion, energy and genuine team spirit
• Long-term prospects as well as projects of strategic relevance and with a visible impact
• Attractive employee benefits, including discounts on our product range and partner offers
• A company pension scheme to provide for your long-term financial security
• JobRad bike leasing for greater flexibility and sustainability in your everyday life
• An in-house canteen with a meal allowance and free drinks to help you through your working day
• Free use of our in-house gym – stay fit whenever you like

Start date: As soon as possible

Working hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

We look forward to receiving your application!