Introduction:
This innovative retail concept redefines how customers approach home improvement and hardware shopping. It combines the reliability of a traditional hardware store with a curated, design-forward experience that supports both professional builders and do-it-yourselfers. The concept emphasizes customer service, curated assortments, project-based shopping, and community engagement, with a focus on making every builder feel confident, supported, and inspired from the moment they enter the store.
Description:
The Category Manager will be responsible for building and managing assigned product categories, ensuring that assortment, pricing, vendor partnerships, and merchandising strategies deliver sales, margin, and customer satisfaction. Reporting to the SVP, General Merchandise Manager, this role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution in a startup environment.
The Category Manager will collaborate with cross-functional partners in marketing, operations, finance, and creative to deliver a differentiated assortment and in-store experience. This role requires a strong balance of analytical skills, vendor management expertise, and a customer-first mindset, with the ability to establish scalable merchandising processes from the ground up.
Job Responsibilities:
Category Strategy: Develop and execute category strategies that drive sales, margin, and customer loyalty, aligning to enterprise merchandising goals
Assortment Planning: Build and manage product assortments, balancing core items, new innovations, and seasonal rotations to meet customer needs and market trends
Vendor Partnerships: Source and negotiate with vendors to secure advantaged pricing, terms, and marketing support. Build strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and category innovation
Pricing and Promotions: Establish pricing strategies and promotional calendars that maximize profitability while maintaining competitive positioning. Partner with marketing to execute omni-channel campaigns
Merchandising Execution: Translate category strategies into in-store presentation, planograms, signage, and seasonal sets that enhance customer experience and drive conversion
Performance Analysis: Monitor category KPIs including sales, margin, turns, and in-stock rates. Provide regular insights and recommendations, adjusting strategies to optimize results
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, operations, creative, and finance to align category initiatives with enterprise goals and ensure seamless execution
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Merchandising Expertise: Strong understanding of retail merchandising, assortment planning, and category management best practices
Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and customer insights to inform decisions and optimize performance
Negotiation and Relationship Building: Skilled in vendor management and negotiation, with a track record of securing favorable terms and building collaborative supplier relationships
Financial Acumen: Proficiency with retail financial metrics (sales, margin, GMROI, turns) and the ability to balance growth with profitability
Customer Orientation: Deep understanding of customer needs in home improvement and hardware, with a commitment to delivering curated and project-based assortment
Collaboration and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and influence stakeholders
Adaptability: Thrives in a high-growth, startup environment, building new processes while executing daily responsibilities
Education and Certificates:
Experience Requirement: 5+ years of merchandising, buying, or category management experience in retail; home improvement or hardware experience preferred
Foundational Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field required
Advanced Preparation: MBA or equivalent preferred
Professional Development: Certifications in category management, retail analytics, or negotiation advantageous
Commitment to Learning: Demonstrated ability to stay current with evolving retail practices, analytics, and merchandising tools
Physical Requirements:
Physical Work Requirements - Light: exerting up to 15 lbs of force occasionally
Repetitive motion associated with operating office equipment and computers
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Periodic travel to retail stores, vendor meetings, and trade shows within the United States
Compensation and Benefits:
We recognize that attracting and retaining top talent requires a competitive, comprehensive package. In return for your leadership and contributions, you will receive:
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) with company match and profit sharing
Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
Career growth and leadership development opportunities