Sephora Category Manager
Sephora — Category Manager in Düsseldorf, Germany. Lead assortment strategy and merchandising across retail and e‑commerce in a hybrid, full‑time role.
Overview
Sephora is a global leader in prestige beauty retail, operating an omnichannel network of stores and digital platforms. As part of the LVMH group and the selective distribution business, the brand is recognized for trend leadership, rapid innovation and a customer-centric commercial model that integrates retail, digital and marketing functions.
Role & Responsibilities
- Own the end-to-end assortment strategy and product lifecycle for assigned categories across retail and e‑commerce, from assortment planning to phase‑out.
- Drive commercial performance by defining pricing, promotions and margin targets and monitoring category KPIs (sales growth, margin, inventory turnover, availability).
- Build and develop strong supplier partnerships through regular business reviews, performance tracking and joint commercial planning.
- Analyze market trends, consumer behaviour, sales data and budgets to identify opportunities, risks and localization needs.
- Design and implement merchandising concepts, floor plans and product localization for stores, corners and new openings to optimize sell‑through.
- Ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards and lead continuous process improvements to raise operational quality and stock accuracy.
- Act as the principal interface between local teams in Düsseldorf and HQ teams in Paris; cultivate stakeholder alignment across buying, marketing, visual merchandising, CRM, digital and sales.
- Lead cross‑functional launches and campaign activations, coordinating timelines, assets and go‑to‑market plans.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in category management, buying, merchandising or a closely related commercial role in retail or consumer goods.
- Strong understanding of product, brand and trade marketing principles and their application to retail and e‑commerce.
- High analytical aptitude with proven ability to interpret sales data and translate insights into commercial decisions.
- Advanced MS Office proficiency, particularly Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Strategic mindset with a hands‑on, execution‑driven approach and strong organisational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in German and English; proven stakeholder management capability.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, agile, cross‑functional environment.
Skills
Experience
At least 3 years of progressive experience in category management, buying, merchandising or a related commercial function within retail or consumer goods, with exposure to both retail and e‑commerce channels.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management or a related discipline; a master's degree or equivalent commercial experience is a plus.
Workplace
This position is based in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Cerulean lists 47 open roles in Düsseldorf, including 4 posted recently. The broader North Rhine-Westphalia area accounts for 60 active listings on Cerulean, 4 of which are new. In Germany as a whole, Cerulean currently features 399 open positions, with 21 posted this week.
Culture
Sephora cultivates a fast‑paced, creative and inclusive workplace that values diversity and entrepreneurial thinking. The brand emphasises empowerment, learning and cross‑functional collaboration, offering opportunities to influence both local retail execution and international strategy.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.