Bauer: Associate Category Manager, Skates

Associate Category Manager, Skates Exeter, NH, US The Associate Category Manager role is responsible for assisting with execution, commercialization, and ongoing support of the Bauer Skates product lines. Reporting to the Category Director, Skates, the Associate Category Manager will assist with driving the product lifecycle, collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align and execute the seasonal category plans and drive category go‑to‑market strategy and planning for both new and existing products. The candidate will analyze consumer research and insights, brand tracking data, sales information, and projections to develop and execute marketing plans. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities: Assist with managing the entire product lifecycle, including attaining volume, profit, margin dollars, market share and ensuring execution is in line with strategic plan. Assist the Category Director, Skates in creating 4-year category strategy and seasonal objectives. Be the consumer insights and competitive market industry specialist to drive product line strategy and brand growth. Validate selling stories, features, benefits and final product direction through consumer insight collection. Develop a deep understanding of business dynamics, retailer trends & challenges, to identify growth opportunities. Partner with cross functional teams to execute the seasonal product plans for the skate category, including sales, marketing, product development, logistics & supply and demand planning. Assist with the creation of product briefs outlining product performance requirements, target costs, wholesale and retail pricing, and unit forecasts. Lead and participate in category launch team meetings. Attend and participate in bi‑annual sales meetings and partner summits. Qualifications: BS or BA in Marketing, Business or related field- or equivalent years of relevant and related experience. Minimum 2-3 years of category management experience, leading product assortments and execution. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presenting to Leadership and cross‑functional partners, formally and informally. Strategic and analytical thinker with the proven ability to translate insights into actionable plans. A catalyst who moves ideas forward and excels at influencing and communicating across a large organization. Strong information seeking skills and detail oriented with ability to seek creative viable solutions to any situation. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). General understanding of other business applications (SAP). Knowledge of AI and capabilities of AI. Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a diverse group. Knowledge of the hockey industry and a core understanding of the consumer preferred. Ability to travel domestically and internationally, with expected travel of up to 25%. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We use AI‑assisted tools during parts of our recruitment process to help ensure fairness and efficiency. All final hiring decisions are made by our human hiring team. We are eligible to participate in the Company's annual incentive plan and offer a generous benefits package including a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid parental leave, an employee discount program on apparel and gear, a casual & hybrid work environment and a host of other perks. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bauer Hockey/ Cascade Maverik Lacrosse