Based in our Crewe office, with weekly travel to our London Graphic Centre office in Covent Garden.
Reporting To: Trading Director
WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
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.
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN YOU
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.
WHAT WE OFFER
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.
With over 130 years of heritage, Ryman is the UK’s go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, and tech. Operating over 200 stores alongside a thriving digital presence, we are proud to be part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (including Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre).
We are a resilient, innovative, and customer-first business. We believe in equipping our people with the tools they need to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves at work.
PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.
