Category Manager I - Medina, MN

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has been a specialty retailer helping woodworkers create with confidence since 1954. We have evolved into the nationwide omni-channel retailer we are today by offering innovative products and embodying an entrepreneurial spirit. We are growing and investing in the future of Rockler.

Category Manager's function as business leaders driving their categories to achieve the strategic needs of the business. They are responsible for product innovation, assortment, product life cycle management, "uniqueness" management, product costs, pricing, product presentation, promotions. The key measures for Category managers include sales v. budget, gross margin, gross margin return on inventory and mix of sales (proprietary v. buy-sell).

Core responsibilities will include:

• Manage product category(ies), large numbers of SKUs, and all aspects of product life cycle.
• Develop merchandising concepts, and promotional plans to strategically drive category growth while continually evaluating "product mix" to ensure customer satisfaction while increasing market penetration and competitive advantage.
• Perform Category/line analysis and presentations to optimize product assortments, pricing, promotions, and merchandising placement across all business units to achieve targeted sales, gross margin (percent and dollar goals)
• Monitor and report on performance of key metrics.
• Determine standard and promotional product pricing through competitive analysis, industry research, store visits and product pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with vendors to review new products, promotional opportunities, and assortments; ensure most favorable every day and promotional costs; obtain "special buys" to translate into marketing opportunities.
• Negotiate terms & conditions, payment, shipping, co-op, and rebates.
• Provide cross-functional team leadership ensuring that all team members are clear on category strategies and deliverables; provide clear direction to team members to ensure execution of new product launches and product changes; develop strong business partnerships with key internal teams:
  • Rockler Proprietary New Product Development team: assist with the creation and execution of innovative Rockler products that support category objectives and opportunities.
  • Supply Chain specialist team: identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiencies through domestic and global sourcing initiatives; build strong vendor relationships; ensure coordinated communication and execution of plans to drive optimization of inventory and logistical planning.
  • Sales & Product Marketing teams: share category strategies while providing product and category expertise to support sales, marketing, and other internal efforts; provide clear direction and support to various channels to execute effective merchandising displays.
  • Retail store partners: develop and execute effective in store displays, support classroom initiatives, provide training content, and support retail KPIs.
• Evaluate industry and competitive trends; define and act on new opportunities.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• We offer a flexible work environment with a strong bias to in office collaboration and attendance.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 2 years' experience in category management
• Experience in multi-channel merchandising (internet, catalog, retail)
• Strong written and verbal communication and negotiating skills.
• Flexible team player able to lead cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Maintains a sense of urgency while managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively to drive results strategically.
• Woodworking experience/background preferred.
• Proficient with MS Office
• Limited travel to vendors and tradeshows required.

  The Benefits and Perks:

  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • We offer competitive Health, Dental and Vision benefits for those eligible.
  • Life insurance - Employer paid basic Life Insurance, with the option to add Voluntary Life Insurance if desired.
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan along with company match!
  • Paid Vacation, Sick and Float days
  • Excellent Employee Discount
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • And much more!

Rockler Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Inclusion and Diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

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