Associate Category Manager – Heating

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Associate Category Manager – Heating

The Associate Category Manager (ACM) plays a critical role in supporting the Category Manager in the execution of category strategy, planning, and operations. This role partners closely with category leadership to ensure that forecasts, programs, portfolio initiatives, packaging updates, and reporting processes are delivered accurately, on time, and in a leadership-ready format.

The ACM works cross-functionally with Sales, Sales Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, Marketing, and external partners to translate category decisions into executable actions. This role is responsible for coordinating inputs, managing timelines, maintaining system accuracy, and ensuring strong follow-through across teams.

This is a highly hands-on execution role requiring advanced Excel proficiency, strong project management discipline, and comfort leveraging AI and automation tools to improve efficiency. Success in this position depends on clear communication, organizational discipline, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, seasonal business.

• Maintain pricing files, matrices, and program documentation.
• Track program mechanics (preseason programs, rebates, incentives).
• Coordinate pricing updates with Sales Operations.
• Ensure alignment between pricing files, ERP data, and customer communication.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Execute detailed administrative work required to support category programs.

• Own day-to-day item setup and maintenance across systems.
• Create, update, and maintain SKU and item master data (GTINs, specs, pack sizes, attributes).
• Partner closely with Manufacturing Accountants to:
  • Ensure accurate BOM setup
  • Validate cost components
  • Resolve item-level data discrepancies
• Coordinate SKU launches, transitions, and rationalization efforts.
• Conduct system audits to ensure data integrity.
• Support projects related to excess and obsolete inventory.
• Prepare documentation required for operational readiness.

• Organize and coordinate all packaging artwork updates and revisions.
• Manage timelines for new packaging, claim updates, regulatory changes, and brand refreshes.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations, and external design partners to ensure artwork accuracy.
• Ensure packaging specifications align with BOMs, item setup, and operational requirements.
• Track version control and approval workflows.
• Maintain centralized records of artwork files and packaging documentation.
• Support execution of packaging rollouts and transitions.
• Maintain and administer customer and vendor portals, including:
  • Managing logins and access
  • Uploading item data and documentation
  • Maintaining compliance materials
• Ensure portal data remains accurate and up to date.
• Troubleshoot access issues and coordinate with external partners.
• Track submission deadlines and required updates.
• Maintain organized records of portal credentials and requirements.

• Track action items and milestones from category and cross-functional meetings.
• Maintain project timelines and status reporting.
• Coordinate execution between Sales, Sales Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, and Marketing.
• Ensure category initiatives move efficiently from decision to execution.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with stakeholders to resolve issues and prevent delays.

• Standardize templates, reporting structures, and documentation practices.
• Leverage AI tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, automation tools) to streamline recurring work.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency.
• Maintain category SOPs and shared knowledge resources.

• Maintain recurring category reports and templates.
• Refresh reporting packages with updated data.
• Validate inputs and resolve routine discrepancies.
• Ensure consistency and organization across reporting files.
• Prepare leadership-ready tables, charts, and summary materials.
• Maintain structured archives and version control.