An eBay manager posting on a career-networking site said eBay UK was hiring a “lot” of new category managers in the UK and pointed to a post on eBay’s London jobs site.
Category managers might typically be seen as specialized support staff to help eBay sellers succeed, but from the job description, it appears they’ll be focused on recruiting efforts to attract sellers – and sellers’ offerings.
Under a section called, “The Opportunity,” eBay UK explains contracted category managers will “define the category strategy and execute this through working with strategically important sellers, brands and retailers in your areas to ensure that eBay has the inventory to continue to grow this area.”
And it continues, “As a Category Manager in the trading team, you will be accountable for both the operational and commercial success of the brand and retailer portfolio and the wider category.”
Some of the key responsibilities of the job include the following:
– Lead and develop the relationship with key sellers, brands and retailers within the portfolio and in line with the category strategy
– Build range plans, target merchandise and use levers to get products on site to drive performance
– Build category and market expertise to identify and exploit opportunities for eBay
– Develop an excellent understanding of sellers’ business operations and current strategies and utilise insight to find opportunities for growth
Job requirements include a “strong background of driving commercial results through business development and acquisition” along with the ability to “build partnerships and work in collaboration with others to meet shared objectives,” as well as being “comfortable to engage at the most senior levels within brands and retailers.”
Another requirement: “Background in the retail industry, ideally ecommerce.” But oddly, eBay doesn’t disclose the categories for which it’s hiring – could managers with different category backgrounds be seen as interchangeable?
