Category Manager

Summary of PositionCategory Managers function as business leaders driving their categories to achieve the strategic needs of the business. Additionally Category Manager IIs help to develop and lead their team to achieve results. They lead the development of strategic direction and are responsible for product innovation assortment management from birth to phase-out product costs pricing and inventory management. The key measures for Category Manager IIs include sales vs. budget gross margin dollars and gross margin return on areas of accountabilityDevelop strategic direction for your business through thoughtful analysis of current business market trends and multiple product categories large numbers of SKUs and all aspects of the product life cycle. Develop merchandising concepts and promotional plans to strategically drive category growth while continually evaluating product assortments to ensure customer satisfaction while increasing market penetration and competitive advantage. Perform Category/line reviews and presentations to optimize product assortments pricing promotions and merchandising placement across all business units to achieve targeted sales gross margin (percent and dollar goals)Monitor and report on the performance of key standard and promotional product pricing through competitive analysis industry research store visits and product pricing strategies. Collaborate with vendors to review new products promotional opportunities and assortments; ensure most favorable every day and promotional costs; obtain special buys to translate into marketing vendor terms & conditions payment shipping co-op advertising and vendor relations through regular timely and effective with internal teams to achieve Proprietary New Product Development team: to assist with the creation of and execution of innovative Rockler products that support category objectives and Chain specialist team: identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiencies through domestic and global sourcing initiatives; build strong vendor relationships; ensure coordinated communication and execution of plans to ensure inventory and logistics Marketing teams: share category strategies while providing product and category expertise to support sales and marketing to bring those strategies to life and achieve financial category strategies come to life on our website through effective partnership with the Ecomm store partners to develop and execute effective in-store displays support classroom initiatives provide training content and support retail industry and competitive trends; define and act on new duties as and manage direct reports as offer a flexible work environment with a strong bias to in-office collaboration and for positionBachelors degree or equivalent experience required. 5 years experience in category management and multi-channel merchandising (internet catalog retail)Proven leadership abilitiesStrong written and verbal communication and negotiating team player able to lead cross-functional teamsStrong organizational planning problem-solving and analytical a sense of urgency while managing multiple tasks. Ability to think creatively and innovatively to drive results experience/background with MS travel to vendors and tradeshows Applicants only - Hybrid Role - 3 days in office per week Monday Tuesday Wednesday and as required otherwise and typically remote Thursday and Friday