Job Title: Category Manager Reports Directly to: Director of Category Management Job Summary: The Category Manager is responsible for managing and driving the performance of specific product categories within the organization. Product categories include Handbags & Mens / Unisex bags, Mens & Ladies Belts & Wallets, Umbrellas, Headwear & Cold Weather, Socks, Kids Accessories, Cosmetic Bags & Shave kits, Travel Accessories, Novelty Gift Key Responsibilities: Strategic Planning, Product Selection & Pricing Implement category strategies to meet customer objectives based on market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor analysis. Manage pricing strategies to remain competitive and maximize profitability. Determine and manage the product assortment for the category, ensuring it aligns with customer preferences while achieving profitability goals. Strategize, initiate and implement sales catalogues, sell sheets, in-store merchandising concepts, new packaging, pricing & profitability analysis as required by retailer for all sales presentations National brands: full responsibility for product samples, presentation strategy, pricing & inventory purchases as per forecasts provided by sales team Private label programs (including ACI house brands): full responsibility for product samples, presentation strategy, pricing; providing purchasing support as needed and / or execute production orders as per forecasts provided by sales team Provide product knowledge support at sales meetings including full product presentations to buyers Conduct monthly store visits & maintain a current competitive market analysis Weekly POS review of key account programs identify where are the opportunities & action new product needs to the design team and / or put offers together utilizing existing stock for the sale team Purchasing Management Responsible for issuing and managing production orders to the Purchasing team Facilitate meetings or updates to keep informed of progress and challenges. Assist in resolving production issues, including discrepancies in quality or delays. Support the implementation of corrective actions when production or quality issues arise. Address production issues or delays and work to resolve them promptly. Communicate issues to relevant departments and help implement solutions Troubleshoot logistical or scheduling challenges and work proactively to mitigate risks. Manage & negotiate FOB pricing for each category of business by working directly with factories when placing production where necessary Ensure the sales team is kept fully advised of changes to any confirmed product and / or delays on any confirmed delivery dates Ensure sales team is provided with required buyer approval samples in a timely manner Ensure all purchases are entered correctly on inventory reports by conducting inventory report checks in a timely manner after all purchase orders have been executed Inventory & Stock Management Work with sales teams to manage stock levels, forecasting demand, and avoiding overstock, or stockouts. Maximizing sales by a continuous flow of sales opportunities clearly thought out for each retail channel utilizing all overstock Keep divisional inventory reports clean and organized. Collaboration & Team Leadership Work closely with cross-functional teams such as product development, design, E.com, purchasing, and operations to implement presentations, execute product manufacturing and packaging needs, and online assets for all customers in all categories Educate the e.com team on product knowledge for online assets to be created and published to sales teams. Responsible for all showroom needs for seasonal and quarterly resets and for providing direction to group Administrative Assistant to ensure seasonal changes, customer meetings & regular maintenance are done in a timely manner Supplier/ Vendor & Licensor Management Build strong relationships with US partners through weekly communication: maximize brand sales growth with continuous new offers to the Canadian sales team Provide & maintain detailed forecasts for licensors (where applicableMattel, Universal, Nickelodeon, etc.) on a quarterly basis Provide & maintain all pre-pro and production products & packaging approval by licensors (where applicable) Qualifications: Experience: 5 years of experience in product management, retail management, product management, or a related field Preferred Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power Point, Adobe, and data analysis tools. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to provide solutions; ability to leverage prior experience and adapt quickly to the changing work environment. Excellent negotiation skills with a proven ability to drive cost savings Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment Proactive self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively in team settings Strong communication and presentation skills with ability influence cross functional teams to help prioritize activities and resources to meet organizational needs. Strong understanding of the industry and consumer trends. Access to a vehicle is required.
Job Title
Category Manager