Category Manager

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies by analyzing industry trends, product assortments, customer insights, and competitive positioning.
• Determine new products and brands to launch that align with category goals and financial targets.
• Build deep expertise in designated product types, including functions, use cases, and customer applications.
• Lead product lifecycle management for new and existing items, including performance reviews and strategic adjustments.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate solutions, and evaluate vendor performance to optimize assortment and profitability.
• Conduct assortment reviews and recommend changes to improve category performance.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure category strategies are executed accurately and on time.
• Influence promotional planning, merchandising decisions, and product education strategies.
• Create product roadmaps, ROI analyses, and competitive assessments to support category planning.
• Use data and insights to recommend pricing, positioning, and promotional strategies.
• Gather customer feedback and market insights and translate them into actionable category improvements.
• Support sales growth through first-to-market ideas and strategic product positioning.
• Lead the development of product promotions and educational strategies for new and existing products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, and product development
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed recommendations
• Advanced experience in Microsoft Excel and retail systems
• Experience in leading remote team members
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills
• Critical and creative thinking skills in dealing with an ever-changing environment
• Statistical analysis and data manipulation skills
• Proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines while remaining flexible in a high growth environment.
• Able to work well both independently and in a team setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leveraging AI tools (ex: ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot) to improve efficiency
• Experience working in an e-commerce environment and supporting related category management and merchandising strategy
• Hard parts knowledge in industry related fields (ex: HVAC/Heating, Electrical, Plumbing, Automotive, etc.)