Associate Category Manager

Summary of PositionThe Associate Category Manager in support of a Sr. Merchant is responsible for delivering the financial performance of their assigned departments and limited product categories. The Associate Category Manager role is designed as the first step in category ownership. This role is intended to prepare the associate for a more advanced role in Category areas of accountabilityManage all aspects of the product life cycle in selected product categories. Develop merchandising concepts product and promotional plans that strategically drive category growth while continually evaluating product assortment to ensure customer satisfaction increase market penetration and competitive progressive understanding of category management concepts processes and procedures through mentoring with Merchandising standard and promotional product pricing through competitive analysis industry research store visits and product pricing strategies. Evaluate industry and competitive trends; define and act on new in the negotiations with vendors to assure we secure the lowest price and most favorable terms utilizing incentives like but not limited to payment terms rebates co-op allowance returns and freight with buyers merchandisers marketing creative team and distribution team to ensure the supply chain is managed efficiently and product is accurately represented in all channels and effectively distributed to our as an industry and customer expert to ensure we stay ahead of our competition and present our customers with the best assortment of products in the and report on key metricsMiscellaneous additional duties as offer a flexible work environment with a strong bias to in office collaboration and for positionBachelors degree or equivalent experience required. 1 years experience in category management merchandising or buying preferably in a direct marketing and retail environment. Proficient with MS OfficeStrong written and verbal communication negotiating and vendor management organizational planning problem-solving and analytical skillsAbility to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and be detail orientated and self-driven to maintain high productivity. Excellent follow up and follow through capabilitiesWoodworking experience/background Applicants only - Hybrid Role - 3 days in office per week Monday Tuesday Wednesday and as required otherwise and typically remote Thursday and Friday