Category Manager

Overview Category Manager role at Leslie's. The Category Manager is responsible for driving financial performance, strategic category growth, and operational excellence within a defined product segment across all sales channels—including brick-and-mortar retail, proprietary eCommerce, and third-party marketplaces. This role reports directly to a Category Director and acts as the day-to-day business owner for select categories and vendor relationships, with accountability for gross margin performance, product lifecycle management, and channel differentiation strategies. This role requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior, retail economics, and cross-functional collaboration to bring compelling assortments to market and execute efficiently. The Category Manager will serve as a bridge between analytics, operations, and strategic planning — managing both short-term execution and long-term growth levers. Responsibilities Develop and execute the category’s long-term growth strategy, including channel-specific product, pricing, and promotional plans. Analyze and manage category profitability down to dead net profit, incorporating costs such as returns, freight, rebates, and shrink. Make data-driven decisions on assortment planning, pricing tiers, and promotional cadence by channel, leveraging deep knowledge of customer behavior and channel dynamics. Lead new product launches, from concept and vendor negotiation through commercialization and post-launch performance tracking. Serve as the primary contact for a defined set of vendors; negotiate cost, payment terms, funding, and exclusivity arrangements to support strategic initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize inventory turns, minimize days of inventory on hand (DOH), and reduce scrap and return rates. Optimize days payable outstanding (DPO) through vendor negotiations and alignment with company working capital goals. Develop and present clear, actionable consumer insights based on POS data, margin trends, and competitive benchmarks. Own and manage the full product lifecycle—introduction, maintenance, rationalization, and exit planning—to maintain a relevant and productive assortment. Drive financial accountability by tracking and reporting sales, margin, and inventory KPIs; recommend actions to improve underperforming areas. Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Planning, eCommerce, Store Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure aligned execution and seamless customer experience. Solicit and secure vendor funding for in-store promotions, digital advertising, and other growth-driving programs. Monitor and respond to competitive activity; recommend adjustments to pricing, assortment, or positioning as needed. Champion brand integrity and customer trust through thoughtful product selection and vendor alignment. Demonstrate a high level of autonomy in day-to-day category management while aligning major decisions with the Category Director’s broader strategic vision. Display strong business acumen with the ability to synthesize financial, operational, and market data into actionable strategies. Serve as a mentor or informal leader to junior team members, supporting their development and project execution. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Merchandising, Economics, or a related field, or comparable work experience; MBA or advanced degree a plus. 5-7 years of progressive experience in merchandising, category management, or retail buying—preferably in a multi-channel retail environment. Demonstrated ability to manage a category P&L, including responsibility for pricing, gross margin, inventory productivity, and vendor funding. Strong financial acumen, including experience with dead net profit analysis, cost structures, and working capital levers like DPO and DOH. Proven success in managing cross-channel strategies, including eCommerce, brick & mortar, and/or marketplaces. Experience leading new product introductions and managing full product lifecycles from concept to exit. Strong vendor management and negotiation skills, including the ability to secure extended payment terms and promotional support. High proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools; familiarity with Power BI is preferred. Ability to analyze large data sets to uncover insights and develop actionable business strategies. Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Highly collaborative with a demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams (marketing, supply chain, finance, eCommerce, and store ops). Strategic thinker with an eye for detail and a drive for continuous improvement. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear business narratives. Benefits Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision plan options; health savings account (with enrollment in the high deductible health plan option). Health savings account and flexible spending accounts for dependent care. Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; voluntary supplemental life insurance. Company-paid short-term disability and voluntary long-term disability insurance. Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) with company match. Paid vacation, sick, and bereavement leave; paid holidays, including a floating personal day. Employee assistance and wellness programs. Earned Wage access is available, allowing early access to a portion of your earned wages before payday. Product discounts at Leslie’s Retail stores. Location and eligibility Location: Phoenix, AZ (hybrid schedule; remote work not available). Candidates must reside within commuting distance; relocation assistance is not provided. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer-sponsored visa support. Agency submissions: This position is not open to agency submissions. Equal Opportunity Employer Leslie's is an equal opportunity employer. Leslie's is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. For more information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr