Category Manager Apprentice

Job Description

Overview

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. As employees they come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realise their shared goals. Each day they build on their values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Technology enhances your life - your job should too. At Microsoft Retail Stores, that is what we believe. We are the face of Microsoft’s cutting-edge devices and services, designed to provide customers, consumer and commercial, with a world-class experience in this mobile-first, cloud-first world. We serve as centres of innovation, connecting customers with technology that simplifies their lives, improves their productivity and inspires their creative potential. The Microsoft Store (www.microsoftstore.com) has become one of the largest worldwide retailers of Microsoft products and is poised for significant growth in the next five years. To fuel our continued growth, we are seeking a Demand Planner for our EMEA & UK/Ireland markets.

Responsibilities

Start Date: September 2026

Apprenticeship: Level 6

Placement length: 3 years

Key Business Objective

Develop surface product demand forecasts, manage SKU life cycle and implement inventory controls to ensure MS Stores can realize our revenue and Gross Margin (GM) goals. Demonstrated by maintaining an In-Stock Percentage (ISP) of 99%, maintaining lean inventory stocking practices, and managing promotional periods to achieve budget.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a 16-week rolling forecast for the surface product category developed at SKU level and revised weekly

• Submit a monthly Q+1 and Q+2 forecast for the surface product category developed at SKU level

• Maintain surface SKU ranges to ensure the correct lifecycle demand profiles for new launching, sustaining, transition and end of life (EOL) SKU’s

• Owning planning data sources to provide clarity on sell through (ST) risk, ISP and performance to budget or forecast targets

• Ensuring product transitions are managed effectively by highlighting any major risks on N-1 / EOL products regarding excess inventory and required demand

• Optimising launch excellence to ensure all new launch products are planned and forecasted for to achieve 100% ISP

• Assemble and analyse all data pertinent to implement promotions, price adjustments and seasonality into the demand plan

• Partner closely with surface category managers and online store leads to ensure market dynamics and key beats are included in the demand plan

• Develop surface financial forecasts to support target setting at both a quarterly level and yearly horizon

• Identifying sales opportunities from excess stock to both category managers and online store leads

• Continuously improving forecasting techniques, methods and approach

• Develop and track key forecasting KPI’s such as forecast and mix accuracy monthly

• Partner closely with supply chain to ensure 99% ISP metric at a SKU level

• Track forecast accuracy on a weekly basis to drive continual improvement

Being a Microsoft Apprentice:

As a Microsoft Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to start your career early, earn while you learn, and gain valuable experience. Microsoft believe in providing real responsibility from the outset, with an employment contract for the full duration of your apprenticeship. You will be an integral part of the team, contributing to meaningful projects and initiatives to drive impact.

What to Expect:

Support and Guidance: You will be fully supported by an apprentice buddy, your manager, and fellow team members. Microsoft managers are trained and ready to support you throughout your apprenticeship programme.

Learning and Development: You will spend time away from your job training and growing your knowledge, which you will then apply to your day-to-day role. You will complete work-

based assignments and participate in modules aligned with your job responsibilities.

Community and Inclusion: You will be part of a vibrant and inclusive apprentice community. You will have opportunities to give back through Microsoft's community programmes and Employee Resource Groups.

Career Growth: At Microsoft, they are committed to your growth and development. You will have access to industry-leading innovation and resources to help you succeed in your role and beyond.

Join Microsoft and develop skills that will pave the way for a successful career – Apply now!

Qualifications

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must not have a degree, however, you should have:

• Obtained suitable level 3 qualifications by 31st August 2025 (3 A-levels with grades A*-C, BTEC Nationals, T Levels, or equivalent).

• Obtained 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, with grades A*-C or 9-4 on the new grading system.

You need to be legally authorised (have citizenship or a valid visa/work permit) to work in the UK to be eligible for this role.

Related Competencies

• Analytical Problem Solving – Shows an ability to spot patterns, break down challenges into clear, simple steps, and approach tasks in a structured way. Stays focused on finding practical solutions to realworld problems and improving how things are done.

• Cross-Boundary Collaboration – Works well with people across different teams, functions, or partner organisations. Comfortable building relationships beyond their immediate area and contributing to shared goals

• Building Customer and Partner Relationships – Able to develop positive, trusted relationships with customers, partners, or internal stakeholders. Takes time to understand their needs and how their business works to support strong, longterm partnerships.

• Global Process Management – Shows an interest in learning how global processes work and how to follow them efficiently. Keeps the end customer in mind and contributes to smooth, consistent ways of working across teams and locations.

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Shows developing analytical skills and a willingness to learn how to work with data

• Develops the ability to use AI tools to support work tasks and sharing learnings to help upskill the wider team

• Approaches tasks with strong attention to detail

• Demonstrates enthusiasm, determination, and a strong work ethic

• Enjoys exploring data and learning how to turn insights into clear, simple stories

• Has a genuine interest in products and how they succeed in the market

• Builds positive relationships and works well with others

• Communicates clearly and enjoys collaborating as part of a team

• Adapts well to a fastpaced, changing environment

• Comfortable using Excel and eager to grow technical skills

#EIP #MCAPS

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.