Associate Category Manager

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Summary of Position

The 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 Management.

major areas of accountability

• Manage 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 advantage.
• Demonstrate progressive understanding of category management concepts, processes, and procedures through mentoring with Merchandising leadership.
• Determine 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 opportunities.
• Assist 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 discounts.
• Collaborate 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 customer.
• Serve 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 marketplace.
• Monitor and report on key metrics
• Miscellaneous additional duties as assigned.
• We offer a flexible work environment with a strong bias to in office collaboration and attendance.

requirements for position

• Bachelor's 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 Office
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiating and vendor management skills.

• Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Must be detail orientated and self-driven to maintain high productivity.
• Excellent follow up and follow through capabilities
• Woodworking experience/background preferred.
• Local Applicants only - Hybrid Role - 3 days in office per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and as required otherwise and typically remote Thursday and Friday

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• Generous employee discounts
• Employee discount pricing from various manufacturers
• Paid vacation & holidays
• Medical, Dental, & Vision plans
• 401K
• A FUN PLACE TO WORK!

Rockler Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Inclusion and Diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.