Senior Category Manager - Accessories & Lifestyle

Company Overview

AUTODOC is a leading online retailer of vehicle parts and accessories in Europe, founded 15 years ago in Berlin. The company operates in 27 European countries, stocks 5.4million products across 166 car, 23 truck, and 154 motorcycle brands, and employs around 5,000 people at six locations. In 2021, AUTODOC achieved sales of over one billion euros.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall company objectives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape.
• Define product assortment and pricing strategies based on market dynamics, customer demand, and profitability goals.
• Establish strategic partnerships with suppliers and negotiate favorable terms and conditions.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead a team of category managers, providing guidance, support, and fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Set clear objectives, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide coaching and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams such as purchasing, marketing, and operations to align strategies and ensure seamless execution.

Product Assortment and Optimization

• Manage the product lifecycle, including assortment planning, new product introductions, and end‑of‑life management.
• Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for assortment optimization.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to maintain strong product availability and quality standards.
• Monitor and react to changes in the competitive landscape to maintain a competitive advantage.

Business Performance and Analysis

• Monitor category performance metrics, including sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct regular business reviews to identify areas of improvement and develop action plans.
• Utilize data analysis tools and techniques to extract insights and drive data‑driven decision‑making.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop effective promotional and marketing campaigns for the category.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in a vendor management or P/L ownership role (preferred).
• 8+ years in automotive, automotive spare parts, or e‑commerce/retail.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven experience in category management, product management, or related roles within the automotive or e‑commerce industry.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools and systems.
• Great communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; a master's degree is a plus.

Nice to Have

• Master’s or postgraduate degree in business management.
• Additional European language skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries based on professional experience.
• Fast‑growing international company with stable employment.
• Cafeteria benefit system offering life insurance, private medical care, sports card, cinema tickets, and other perks.
• Guaranteed 26 days of vacation per calendar year plus an extra day for your birthday.
• Mental Wellbeing Program with free psychological counselling for you and your family members, 24/7 hotline and online sessions.
• AUTODOC Corporate Discount of 1,080 euros per annum for parts at special discounted rates.
• Opportunities for advancement, further training (over 650 courses on soft and hard skills on our e‑learning platform), and coaching.
• Free English, German, and Polish language classes.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work model.