About Company
At Career.zycto, we believe in empowering our teams to shape the future of our product offerings. Imagine leading strategic product categories, making a tangible impact on our market presence and customer satisfaction. We foster an environment where innovative Category Managers thrive, blending analytical rigor with creative problem-solving. Join a collaborative workplace dedicated to excellence, growth, and continuous improvement. Here, your insights directly influence purchasing decisions and drive our mission forward, providing unparalleled opportunities to grow your expertise in a dynamic retail landscape.
Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Category Manager to join our growing team in Downtown Hagerstown. This pivotal role involves taking ownership of specific product categories, driving their growth, profitability, and overall market performance. As a Category Manager, you will be instrumental in defining our product strategy, optimizing our assortment, managing supplier relationships, and conducting in-depth market analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of your assigned categories, from strategic planning and product selection to pricing, promotion, and performance monitoring. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, robust analytical skills, and excellent communication to collaborate effectively with internal teams such as sales, marketing, and supply chain, as well as external vendors. If you are passionate about consumer products, possess a knack for negotiation, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where your contributions directly impact business success, we encourage you to apply. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization dedicated to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to achieve sales, margin, and market share objectives.
- Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and consumer needs.
- Manage the full product lifecycle for assigned categories, including product selection, new product introductions, and end-of-life strategies.
- Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, manage vendor relationships, and ensure consistent product quality and availability.
- Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and promotional effectiveness to make data-driven decisions and optimize category performance.
- Collaborate with marketing to develop compelling promotional campaigns and merchandising strategies.
- Work closely with supply chain to ensure efficient inventory management and order fulfillment.
- Monitor P&L performance for assigned categories and implement corrective actions as needed to meet financial targets.
Required Skills
- 3+ years of experience in Category Management, Product Management, or Procurement in a retail or consumer goods environment.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., advanced Excel, business intelligence software).
- Proven negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans.
- Solid understanding of retail metrics and financial performance indicators (P&L).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Experience with ERP systems and category management software.
- Knowledge of the Hagerstown regional market and consumer base.
- Master's degree or relevant professional certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Employee discounts on company products.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the application link below. Please include a resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you are a great fit for this role.
