Category Director- Sporting Goods

Key Responsibilities

• Manage overall strategy for the Sporting Goods categories (Hunting, Shooting Sports, Fishing, & Camping).
• Manage the P/L for the Sporting Goods Unit.
• Manage and develop strong vendor relationships and negotiate competitive programs with suppliers.
• Identify, negotiate, and execute centralized sourcing, purchasing, and distribution opportunities thru Mid-States Warehouse.
• Drive a growing Private Brand strategy and effectively manage cross-functional execution from inception to implementation.
• Become the go-to expert for market strategy, retail execution, and overall category knowledge.
• Continuously look for new supplier opportunities to deliver the best category offering for our members, competitive pricing and programs, and industry best Show Specials at our Mid-States tradeshows.
• Develop impactful category analysis and consumer insights using a range of data sources to impact sales.
• Manage vendor contracts to ensure timely receipt of rebates and promotional funding.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, And Experience

• Industry and category management experience needed.
• 10 years’ experience in the Sporting Goods category and 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of customer-centric retailing principles and the analytics of customer purchase behavior.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the sporting goods industry.
• Experience in sourcing, product development, and building strategic go-to-market plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including prioritizing, scheduling, and time management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines in a fast-paced environment.