The role of a Category Manage r is pivotal in steering the direction and success of consumer-centric product solutions. This position demands a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on management through every phase of product development, from conceptualization to market launch. The core responsibility involves orchestrating annual line plans that are not only ambitious in terms of revenue, gross margin, and market share growth but also reflective of a deep understanding of market demands and consumer preferences. This strategic assortment of superior products underpins the company's competitive edge and its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations.
At the heart of the Merchandising Manager's role is the development and articulation of a coherent vision and strategy for the product segments under their purview. This vision must be grounded in a robust analysis of market trends, consumer behaviors, and the competitive landscape. It requires a keen insight into the return on investment each product is expected to deliver, supported by concrete market data and a clear roadmap for development and launch. The strategy must be comprehensive, covering all channels of distribution to ensure a cohesive and powerful market presence.
To bring this vision to life, the Merchandising Manager must possess an intimate understanding of the brand, the business landscape, and the unique selling points of the product portfolio. This role is not just about managing products but also about storytelling - conveying the value and uniqueness of the products in a way that resonates with the target audience. By leveraging internal product teams and resources, the manager is tasked with delivering innovative solutions that align with consumer needs and preferences. Success in this role hinges on the ability to synthesize market insights, brand strengths, and creative product development to offer compelling products that captivate and satisfy the core consumer base.
This position reports to the General Manager, Project Freedsom and is based out of our Chesapeake office.
As the Category Manager you will have an opportunity to:
Analyze target markets/segments and create a solid definition of the potential for new products. Position these new products in the marketplace, working closely with sales, marketing, and external experts to gain an in-depth understanding of each market/segment and the competition
Deliver clear communication and effective partnership to internal stakeholders, including design, development, marketing and sales team.
Execute on the I2C pathway, preparing effectively for key waypoints, and delivering on follow up action items. In supporting the I2C pathway, participate in making it better.
Identify and evaluate opportunities to innovate. Innovation in this role is not limited to product creation; it encompasses the processes and tools we deploy in our daily work. Partner with internal teams to take innovative ideas from concept to implementation.
Work closely with internal stakeholders to align on deliver specific product development goals and timelines.
Become a leading expert on Blackhawks competition and the overall marketplace, integrating this insight to support forward-looking decisions.
Maintain all relevant line plans completely and accurately. Support the future implementation of new product line and product information management tools, including PLM and PIM.
Drive towards seasonal and annual sales and margin objectives. Participate in the up front long range planning decisions, and deliver seasonal plans with a demonstrated path to achieving those goals. Monitor the actual progress towards those objectives, and participate in near-term tactics and problem solving as necessary. This includes leadership on pricing and product margin management.
Develop strong working relationship with colleagues across teams, enabling and empowering others.
Facilitate presentations and discussions with consumers and retailers to gather insights that inform product and collection development.
Deliver effective sell-in presentations to individual customers and during larger global sales moments
Develop and maintain effective intellectual property strategies
Understand and comply with relevant policy and regulatory requirements
You have:
College degree desired
5+ years sales, product or marketing experience in wholesale, retail or direct businesses.
Proven track record of Product Line Management for Consumer Brands, Products or Categories. Experience with Outdoor Products categories a plus.
Experience across different channels (outdoor products or specialty retail channel preferred), CPG categories (related category/products preferred), company sizes (large CPG and smaller company or division), low penetration brand/products.
Knowledge of product development process, merchandising and assortment planning.
Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to deliver presentations to large groups.
Working knowledge of personal computers with experience in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Strong quantitative/analytic skills.
Extreme attention to detail and the ability to establish and maintain schedules.
Ability to manage ambiguity and make decisions with incomplete or qualitative data.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead a collaborative results-oriented team
Ability to communicate effectively - verbally, written and visually - with a wide variety of people.
Adaptable, resilient, flexible, fast-paced/sense of urgency, and a high level of multitasking ability.
Demonstrated passion and personal commitment.
Personal and professional values are aligned with company values and culture, high integrity.
Able to handle pressure of deadlines, multiple projects and financial performance expectations.
Fast-paced growing company experience and/or demonstrated effectiveness in a small company/location where role includes both strategic and hands-on responsibilities
#LI-KK1
Pay Range:
Annual Salary: $102,000.00 - $126,000.00
The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.
We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, paid holidays, gear discounts and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!
Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.
Equal Opportunity Employer Protected Veteran/Disabled
