Category Manager

A Category Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, performance, and long‑term growth of assigned product categories. This role involves analyzing complex data sets, identifying emerging market trends, developing category strategies, and driving cross‑functional initiatives that optimize assortment, pricing, merchandising, and supplier partnerships. The Category Manager serves as the primary owner of category performance and plays a critical role in maximizing sales, profitability, and customer experience.

Evaluate sales results, consumer behavior, syndicated data, and competitive activity to identify opportunities for category growth, product innovation, and assortment optimization.

Own the development and execution of comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, pricing frameworks, promotional planning, and long‑term roadmap creation.

Provide strategic recommendations and influence senior stakeholders to drive category performance.

Lead supplier negotiations, manage vendor relationships, and evaluate new product opportunities that strengthen category positioning.

Oversee the full product lifecycle to ensure relevance, profitability, and alignment with category strategy.

Direct space planning efforts to improve in‑store and digital execution that enhances customer engagement.

Act as the category lead across internal functions—including sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations—to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.

Partner with retailers and external vendors to maximize category visibility and performance.

Own financial performance metrics such as revenue, gross margin, and inventory productivity.

Optimize inventory levels, manage SKU productivity, and lead accurate forecasting across multiple product ranges to achieve financial targets.

• Advanced Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Ability to interpret large datasets, identify meaningful trends, and translate insights into strategic action plans.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, cross‑functional partners, and external stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to negotiate cost, terms, and product opportunities that drive category profitability.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Experience using data analysis tools, retail link platforms, syndicated data sources (e.g., Nielsen, IRI), and inventory management systems.
• Business & Financial Acumen:
  • Strong understanding of retail, merchandising, marketing, and financial principles to inform decision‑making.
• Forecasting Expertise:
  • Demonstrated ability to forecast demand and manage complex product ranges.

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field required.

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Minimum 7-10 years of experience in category management, merchandising, product management, or a related commercial function with demonstrated ownership of category-level performance.