Manager, Category (Footwear)

Sports Direct is part of Frasers Group, a leading UK-based retail group with a portfolio of internationally recognised brands in sports, lifestyle, and fashion.

Sports Direct Malaysia is currently looking for Manager, Category (Footwear) to join our growing team.

Sports Direct Malaysia currently operates a total of 40 retail stores domestically and manages a proprietary SportsDirect.com e-commerce site for domestic and regional fulfillment. Sports Direct Malaysia offers over 70 of the leading authentic global sports brands, offering the widest variety of choice and value. The company employs over 1,000 staff with a view to expanding rapidly across Asia in the coming years.

We have developed a new generation of stores as part of our multi channel elevation strategy, to enhance the customer experience at every step of the journey. Our focus is on presenting an unrivalled range of quality products at excellent value in a modern spacious environment. The stores are uniquely zoned by key sports categories which include; SD Football, SD Running, SD Training (fitness, cross training, gym equipment, weights, boxing, yoga), SD Rackets (badminton, tennis, squash), SD Swimming (pool, beach, water sports), SD Sports (basketball, rugby, extreme games, cycling, skates & indoor games), SD Lifestyle (Men, Women & Kids) & SD Outdoor (Hiking, trekking, camping & fishing).

The Manager, Category (Footwear) ensures all buying plans and activities are aligned with the Companys direction and OKRs. This role focuses on delivering the right product mix that represents the concept and image of Sports Direct and USC brands. You will lead supplier negotiations, analyze consumer and sales trends, and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve financial targets, strengthen brand equity, and ensure market competitiveness. The role requires specialist knowledge in sports footwear trends, performance technology, and consumer demands to build a winning assortment.

Category & Sales Management

• Track and analyze sales performance for the assigned footwear category
• Take proactive actions on underperforming products (markdowns, RTV, promotions) and maximize opportunities on bestsellers
• Monitor weekly trade performance, stock health, and sell-through rates by category and brand
• Identify white space opportunities and introduce product innovations
• Prepare weekly/monthly performance reports with actionable recommendations

Buying & Merchandising

• Develop product strategies with the right product mix, pricing, and costing to achieve sales and margin targets across own brands and third-party brands
• Manage open-to-buy (OTB) plans, ensuring assortment efficiency, depth, and breadth
• Handle code creation, issue purchase orders (POs), and update delivery plans in systems
• Lead seasonal buying, sell-in, and market visits to source new products and innovations

Supplier & Brand Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international brands
• Source, evaluate, and propose potential new brands or suppliers for business opportunities
• Negotiate cost prices, margin improvements, trading terms, and exclusivity opportunities
• Monitor supplier deliveries to ensure timely stock availability

Leadership & Team Development

• Guide, coach, and mentor junior buyers/assistants with clear direction and development support
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to deliver business objectives

Other Responsibilities

• Handle ad hoc tasks and projects as assigned by Line Manager or/and Management
  
  

• Must possess at least a Bachelors Degree in Marketing, Business, Communication, or a related field
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in sports retail industry, with proven specialization in sports footwear
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills
• Analytical mindset with strong numerical sensitivity
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent time management and deadline orientation
• A team player with proven leadership qualities, positive attitude, and adaptability to a fast-paced environment
  
  

An opportunity like this at Frasers Group is for the FEARLESS!

The potential is massive, the experience unrivalled. To be able to make the most of it you need to live and breathe our principles, you will:

THINK WITHOUT LIMITS, and take the team with you!

BE RELEVANT, to our people, to partners, and to the planet!

OWN IT, and back yourself!