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 centers 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.
The Microsoft Consumer Sales Organisation team is looking for early career talent to contribute to an experienced Category team with a perspective and ideas that are uniquely yours. To fuel our continued growth, we are seeking a Category Manager Apprentice for our EMEA & UK/Ireland markets.
Responsibilities
Start Date: September 2026
Apprenticeship: Level 6
**Placement length: **3 years
Internal relationship management is key; you will need to be able to communicate effectively at all levels across the organisation.
What is a Category Manager?
The Category Manager is the specialist product manager and represents Microsoft products as the expert both internally and externally to our UKI Managed Retail Partners.
**Key Business Objective **
Provides Category support for the Microsoft Direct Online channel in EMEA .
Supports the Senior Category Manager in the execution of the strategic direction for Microsoft Surface Devices and Accessories, which spans multiple organizations and geographies.
**Primary responsibilities include: **
- Support in the execution of category plans, including pricing and promotional activities.
- Liaise with key internal stakeholders on Promotional roadmap, ensuring submissions are made within agreed deadlines.
- Support with insights and learnings on promotional activities and execution.
- Support launch readiness by ensuring all tools, systems, and documentation are accurately updated and maintained
- Maintain and monitor workback schedules, calling out key category milestones and ensuring all product update deadlines are met
- Liaise with Supply and Planning teams to action product lifecycle updates and ensuring n-1 (End of life) products are removed from Store sites at point of expiration.
- Assortment management; ensuring tools are maintained with accurate product descriptions, pricing and market attributes.
- Create and maintain range matrix documentation at country level to share with GTM (go to Market), planning and Digital Store leads.
- Align with Global and Regional teams on launch activities and promotions, being a key point of contact for Regional Category updates.
- Support the Senior Category Manager in business reporting at a Regional and sub-regional level.
What team will you be working in?
In the Consumer Sales Organisation (CSO), their purpose is to earn fans and drive growth by building emotional connections to delight and empower everyone. They engage with consumers globally throughout their shopping journeys, navigating both physical storefronts and digital visits across Direct and Partner Channels in Gaming, Windows, M365, and Surface. Together with their ecosystem partners, they strategise and implement plans for customer engagement and economic growth.
As a member of their team, you’ll be part of growing a multi-billion-dollar business, charting new areas of innovation, and impacting billions of lives around the world. You will also be part of a culture centred on embracing a growth mindset, inspiring excellence, and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. If that appeals to you, it’s an exciting time to be in the Consumer Sales Organisation.
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 2026 (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.**