HEAD Penn North America: Category Manager - Racquet Sports

About HEAD Penn North America HEAD Penn is a global leader in racquet sports, trusted by world‑class athletes and millions of players worldwide. We are passionate about innovation, performance, and making sport accessible to players of all levels. At HEAD Penn North America, you’ll join a collaborative, entrepreneurial team where ideas are valued, growth is encouraged, and your work directly impacts the success of our brands in the marketplace. The racquet sports industry is evolving faster than ever — and Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel are leading the way. We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just want to keep up, but wants to lead the charge. We’re searching for a driven, visionary leader who owns their categories from the ground up, brings bold ideas to the table, and makes things happen. If you’re obsessed with racquet sports, passionate about shaping the future of these fast‑growing sports in North America, and thrive on turning creative vision into real, measurable results — this role was built for you. The Role HEAD Penn North America is seeking a Category Manager – Racquet Sports to join our team in Phoenix, AZ. This individual will manage a portfolio of HEAD and Penn racquet sports categories across the U.S. and Canada, spanning equipment, footwear, and accessories. This is a hands‑on role that collaborates closely with sales, marketing, logistics, and our global headquarters in Austria. Category assignments will be determined based on the selected candidate’s strengths, experience, and business priorities at the time of hire. Categories Include Pickleball Paddles & Balls Footwear Bags Accessories Key Responsibilities Category & Product Management Own and manage assigned category portfolios for North America. Lead product launches, testing, and design approvals; serve as the go‑to category expert for pricing, positioning, and distribution. Liaise with HQ Product and Marketing teams in Austria to align on strategy and provide North American market feedback. Develop and execute category growth plans with a focus on retail and grassroots opportunities. Monitor sales performance, manage order banks, and drive creative solutions to maximize sell‑through. Support Sales with programs, promotions, and retailer‑specific strategies. Retail & Account Management Build and maintain relationships with key retail accounts, customizing program and promotions to drive performance. Develop sell‑in tools including presentations, sell sheets, and training materials. Grassroots & Community Establish relationships with clubs, academies, and coaches to drive brand visibility and product trial. Represent HEAD Penn North America at on‑court clinics, demos, expos, and industry events. Sales, Inventory & Operations Forecast and plan inventory in collaboration with Logistics, Finance, and the Warehouse team. Coordinate with Customer Service and Logistics to ensure smooth, on‑time product launches. Marketing & Brand Partner with North American and HQ marketing teams to develop campaigns, sales tools, and product information. Conduct ongoing market and competitor analysis to inform strategy and identify new opportunities. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field. 3–5 years of product or category management experience. Strong racquet sports background — playing and/or coaching experience required (Tennis, Pickleball, and/or Padel). Knowledge of sports retail and the racquet sports industry. Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word). Passionate, innovative, and self‑driven mindset. Preferred Bilingual in Spanish and English. MBA or advanced degree. Experience with SAP and Essbase. Existing relationships with racquet sports retailers, clubs, or academies. HEAD Penn North America is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr