Remote Retail Category Manager

About This Role

This role involves developing and managing a product portfolio aligned with brand values and corporate goals, including new product development, SKU management, and markdown strategies. The Category Manager will analyze selling trends, gather feedback, and drive brand presentation standards, contributing to revenue goals while maintaining a consistent brand vision.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage product portfolio consistent with brand values and corporate goals, including new product development, SKU count, productivity, markdown strategy and exit strategy
• Work with global product team during seasonal development cycle to ensure all product briefs are executed to reach company revenue goals
• Regularly analyze and respond to selling trends, inventory reports, sell through detail, etc. to ensure company objectives are met
• Gather and analyze feedback from sales teams, marketing partners, retailers and consumers and implement as appropriate into product and brand portfolio strategies
• Provide clear and consistent brand vision across all sectors including selling teams, marketing teams, tradeshows, special events and public relations
• Drive brand presentation standards and values including seasonal presentations, catalog and print media, trade shows, promotions etc.
• Support and motivate selling teams with operational tools, selling strategies, sponsorship and brand outlook
• Provide regular and consistent communications to stakeholders regarding current strategies, projects and timelines
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging trends in all relevant industries including footwear, health and wellness, fashion and media
• Represent the brand in professional, trade, consumer, and public relations opportunities including, brand history and values, product design, health and wellness, market trends, and future direction

Requirements

• Bachelors degree (B.A./B.S.) in Business, Industrial Design, Marketing or related field or combination of relevant education, experience and training
• 3+ years in Category Management to include financial contributions, margin analysis and inventory management
• 3+ years experience in Product Design and Product Development
• Solid understanding of fashion industry, color theory, consumer trends and consumer behavior
• Solid knowledge of regulations in regard to manufacturing, product safety, consumer protection and child safety
• Experience managing and developing a team of direct reports
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including facilitating meetings and presentations
• Strong Excel skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel domestically (home offices) and internationally

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (B.A./B.S.) in Business, Industrial Design, Marketing or related field or combination of relevant education, experience and training
• 3+ years in Category Management to include financial contributions, margin analysis and inventory management; Minimum 3 years experience in Product Design and Product Development.

Nice to Have

• Experience with wholesale sales, retail management, consumer relations, or ecommerce management (footwear industry preferred)
• Experience with marketing, product merchandising, visual merchandising, branding (footwear industry preferred)
• SAP experience

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits