Category Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in South Carolina.

📋 Description

• Take ownership and implement both short-term and long-term category strategies that are in line with brand experience and overall business growth objectives.

• Spearhead the creation of 3–5 year category roadmaps aimed at driving revenue growth, enhancing margins, and achieving market differentiation.

• Recognize emerging trends, competitive challenges, and consumer behavior insights to inform category innovation and expansion initiatives.

• Formulate and execute plans to meet or surpass sales and inventory productivity goals across all retail locations.

• Oversee category performance by utilizing key retail metrics including: Sales per guest, Sales per square foot, Inventory productivity, Gross margin, and IMU performance.

• Direct the enterprise assortment planning strategy across all retail channels and locations.

• Construct and sustain a strategic Core Assortment that harmonizes innovation, margin optimization, and inventory efficiency.

• Manage product lifecycle processes including the introduction of new products, assortment refreshes, and exit strategies.

• Develop and maintain strategic vendor partnerships, focusing on negotiating pricing, terms, and product exclusivity.

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain leadership to formulate inventory strategies that optimize working capital and reduce aging inventory.

• Foster a data-driven decision-making culture by utilizing sales analytics, customer insights, and market research.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Finance, and Visual Merchandising teams.

• Guide and nurture the development of merchandising team members and analysts.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Retail Merchandising, Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in retail merchandising, category management, or buying is necessary.

• Experience in furniture, bedding, or durable goods retail is highly preferred.

• Strong proficiency in category strategy, assortment optimization, and pricing strategy is essential.

• Advanced skills in analyzing large data sets and converting insights into actionable strategies are required.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills at the executive level are a must.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.

• Options for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Paid time off along with 401K matching contributions.

• A 40% employee discount at Ashley.

• Opportunities for leadership development and internal career advancement.