Product Category Manager
Saint Augustine, FL - USA
Job Summary
- Medical Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
The ideal candidate is passionate about product storytelling skilled in balancing creativity with analytics and capable of translating guest and franchise feedback into actionable category strategies that align with brand goals.
Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute category strategies that support the brands overall product vision financial goals and long-term growth.
- Conduct competitive analysis consumer trend research and market benchmarking to inform category positioning.
- Identify assortment gaps innovation opportunities and product lifecycle transitions (e.g. core LTO seasonal and Sell-Thru items).
- Lead the end-to-end management of products within assigned categories from concept to commercialization and retirement.
- Solidify Vendor relationships depicted by each category facilitating sample orders pricing negotiations and relationship building with Supply Chain to ensure ongoing vendor partnership success.
- Partner with Supply Chain and Creative to ensure products meet cost targets quality standards and launch timelines.
- Monitor sell-through margin performance and inventory levels to optimize assortment and profitability.
- Create data driven reports to share amongst Product Development and Supply Chain iterating the story of success or failure of the product introduction and ultimately driving data driven decision for product sunsets and Core line up additions.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to develop campaign support storytelling and in-store merchandising strategies.
- Partner with Supply Chain on sourcing vendor communication and demand planning.
- Work with Operations and Training to ensure category success in retail execution and staff education.
- Own category P&L performance including revenue COGS and margin optimization.
- Analyze sales trends forecast demand and recommend adjustments to meet or exceed budgeted goals.
- Present quarterly category reviews and annual business plans to leadership.
- Stay current on industry trends seasonal flavor profiles packaging innovations and guest experience opportunities.
- Evaluate and recommend new product opportunities vendor partnerships and strategic collaborations.
- A bachelors degree in marketing merchandising or related discipline.
- 5 years of category management CPG experience preferably in food beverage or specialty consumables.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel Power BI or similar tools.
- Exceptional project management and communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated success in managing product lifecycles and driving category profitability.
- Passion for culinary beverage or lifestyle products is a plus.
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
- Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Data-driven decision-maker with a passion for innovation and guest experience.
- Frequent travel by plane and car to various Stores across the US.
- Consistent ability to utilize hands and fingers to perform tasks as necessary for job duties which may include operating machinery handling materials typing and designing (8 hours per day).
- Consistent capacity for visual acuity to monitor processes examine materials and labels and ensure quality standards are met (8 hours per day).
- Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods including the use of speech and hearing to communicate effectively with team members customers and the ability to engage in verbal discussions and listen attentively (8 hours per day).
- Consistent ability to perform various physical tasks that require continuous standing (8 hours per day) sitting (8 hours per day) walking (8 hours per day) bending (3-5 hours per day) reaching (8 hours per day) squatting (3-5 hours per day) lifting; up to 55 lbs. (8 hours per day) overhead lifting (3-5 hours per day) carrying (8 hours per day) pushing/pulling (3-5 hours per day) climbing ladders and stairs (8 hours per day) and maneuvering within an office store and warehouse workspace (8 hours per day).
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks (8 hours per day).
- Ability to visually identify color substance products and their characteristics (8 hours per day).
- Operation of but not limited to computer tools and equipment printers and equipment (8 hours per day).
- Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents spices fruits extracts aromas or personal protective equipment (latex gloves) (8 hours per day).
While we will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation such accommodation may not alter the fundamental requirements of the job cause undue hardship safety risk or interfere with the ability to perform essential functions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting your needs within the scope of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
- Commitment; engaged flexible patient open minded.
- Detail Oriented; organized focused high quality.
- Reliable; integrity dependable authentic.
- Continuous Improvement; performance and safety awareness goal-oriented creative mindset efficient.
- Enthusiastic about food and beverage.
- Teamwork; team-oriented and eager to grow within the company.
- Medical dental vision and other ancillary benefits.
- 401k plan company match.
- Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care.
- 100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
- Paid time off (PTO) during first year following 90 days of employment.
- 7 Paid Holidays.
- Employee product discounts.
- Biannual Create & Share free product gifts.
- Annual Holiday Bucks with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Drug Free Workplace
We create and share the experience every day! Life is better lived with a little spice.
The Spice & Tea Exchange was founded in 2008 by a group of talented individuals with a passion for life and food. What started as a small shop in St. Augustine Florida has quickly grown into a nation-wide franchise powered by flavor passionate franchise owners and a desire to bring flavorful ingredients to your kitchen. Our franchise owners are the #1 REASON for what we do and our team is a close-knit family youd enjoy sitting with around the dinner table.
Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life is the mission and cornerstone of our business in which we strive to provide guests with quality products and flavorful memories. We offer a high-quality diverse assortment of products in a sensory shopping experience. One step into our shops will kick your senses into high-gear as you open the jars and smell explore recipes and speak with our knowledgeable staff about your culinary interests.
At The Spice & Tea Exchange we are committed to our mission. If you have a desire to inspire coworkers and customers we may have a place for you at the table! Our employees define experience as all the events of our lives that shape who we are taking you out of the everyday task list and putting you into a place that takes you to a different state of mind making memories that are not forgotten and trying things for the first time! The employee experience is something we do not take with a grain of salt.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Visit the top Spice and Tea store! Shop gourmet loose leaf teas, seasonings, spice blends, and rubs, gourmet spices, peppers, herbs, and more!