Product Development Manager – Accessories In-House Brands (Parental Leave Cover)

Are you passionate about trends, strong in negotiations, and motivated by building brands that customers love?

We are looking for a commercially driven and trend-savvy Product Development Manager to lead our Accessories category within our Nordic In-House Brands (IHB). This is a parental leave cover, but with real impact from day one.

You will step into an exciting time for the category, where we are consolidating brands and shaping a stronger, sharper future assortment. This role requires someone who thrives in both strategy and execution - someone who can see the bigger picture while being hands-on in daily development and supplier dialogue.

Your Role

As Product Development Manager, you will own and drive the IHB Accessories category across our Nordic retail banners. From defining the brand and innovation strategy to delivering commercially successful launches, you will be responsible for creating products that inspire our customers and strengthen our market position.

You will be the eyes and ears of the market – translating trends, consumer insights and competitive dynamics into strong product concepts. At the same time, you will lead negotiations with suppliers and ensure profitability, quality, and timely execution.

The role is highly cross-functional, and you will collaborate with a wide range of internal stakeholders across Category, Marketing, Supply, Activation and Business Controlling. You will play a key role in aligning commercial priorities and ensuring strong execution across both Matas and KICKS.

Your Team & Organisation

You will become part of our Nordic In-House Brand team within the Group Commercial function, working across both Matas and KICKS in the Nordics.

We are a team of engaged positive and ambitious colleagues who combine high professional standards with a strong social culture. We believe in celebrating wins, supporting each other and creating energy in everyday work - we call it our high-five culture.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the brand and innovation strategy for the IHB Accessories category
• Drive product development from idea to launch – including briefs, testing, approvals and final execution
• Play a key role in consolidating brands in a clear, strong direction
• Build a relevant, trend-driven hero assortment that strengthens our customer offer
• Own innovation gates, including revenue estimates and in-take margin
• Ensure products meet targets for price, quality, sustainability and timing
• Lead negotiations and build strong, long-term supplier partnerships across the Nordics
• Collaborate closely with Category, Marketing, Supply, Activation & Business Controlling
• Stay ahead of trends and market movements within accessories and adjacent categories

What Success Looks Like

• Strong revenue growth within IHB Accessories
• Healthy in-take margin
• A compelling innovation pipeline aligned with our 3-year growth trajectory
• A consolidated and clearly positioned brand portfolio
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across functions and banners
• Being a trusted and proactive team player who contributes to both individual and shared success

Who You Are

• Commercially sharp with strong negotiation skills
• Highly trend-driven and passionate about consumer behavior
• Strategic thinker who can zoom out and see the bigger picture
• Hands-on executor who drives projects forward and ensures follow-through
• Experienced in product development, category management, or buying – ideally within accessories, beauty or FMCG
• Structured, proactive and comfortable working across functions
• Motivated by ownership and accountability
• A strong team player who thrives in a collaborative setting – you work independently, but believe that real success is created together

Why Join Us?
You will join a dynamic Nordic team with high ambitions for our In-House Brands. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our IHB Accessories category together with key internal stakeholders during an important transformation phase - and leave a strong footprint on our portfolio.

You will become part of a positive, ambitious and collaborative environment where we celebrate wins, support each other and believe that strong results are created together.

At Matas Group, we combine commercial drive with strong values, sustainability ambitions, and a genuine passion for creating the best customer offer in the Nordic market.