Assistant Category Manager

DRiV; Southfield (MI); Remote; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

DRiV is seeking an Assistant Category Manager in a remote United States role. The position supports development and execution of category strategies to drive growth, profitability, and market competitiveness within the Performance Solutions portfolio.

You will work with sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, operations, and suppliers to optimize products through lifecycle management and pricing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of experience in category management, product management, marketing, sales analysis, business analysis, or a related commercial role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and business reporting tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across remote and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans aligned with business growth objectives.
• Assist with product introductions, line extensions, rationalization initiatives, and lifecycle planning.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to improve revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Contribute to strategic planning activities and business reviews.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and other stakeholders to execute category initiatives.
• Support product launches, marketing campaigns, and customer-facing programs.
• Assist in resolving product, supply, or customer issues that affect category performance.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support category objectives.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and performance metrics to track category results.
• Analyze large data sets to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare presentations and business recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate and consistent category data and reporting.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

Power BI

ERP/CRM platforms

Job description

Job Description

Assistant Category Manager

PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS | UNITED STATES - REMOTE

Location

United States (Remote)

Employment Type

Full-Time

Department

Performance Solutions

Reports To

Category Manager / Senior Category Manager*

Position Summary

The Assistant Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies that drive profitable growth, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness within the Performance Solutions portfolio. This role collaborates with sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, operations, and supplier partners to support product lifecycle management, portfolio optimization, pricing initiatives, and market analysis. The ideal candidate is analytical, customer-focused, and able to translate market insights into actionable recommendations that support business objectives and category performance.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy and Portfolio Management

• Support the development and execution of category plans aligned with business growth objectives.
• Assist with product introductions, line extensions, rationalization initiatives, and lifecycle planning.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to improve revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Contribute to strategic planning activities and business reviews.

Market and Competitive Analysis

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and customer needs.
• Analyze sales, margin, inventory, and market data to support category decisions.
• Provide recommendations based on business performance metrics and market intelligence.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments, technologies, and customer requirements within the Performance Solutions market.

Pricing and Profitability

• Support pricing strategies and initiatives designed to improve margin performance and market competitiveness.
• Assist in evaluating pricing opportunities, promotions, and product positioning.
• Monitor category financial performance and contribute to forecasting and business planning activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and other stakeholders to execute category initiatives.
• Support product launches, marketing campaigns, and customer-facing programs.
• Assist in resolving product, supply, or customer issues that affect category performance.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support category objectives.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and performance metrics to track category results.
• Analyze large data sets to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare presentations and business recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate and consistent category data and reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of experience in category management, product management, marketing, sales analysis, business analysis, or a related commercial role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and business reporting tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across remote and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a product portfolio in manufacturing, automotive aftermarket, industrial, or performance solutions industries.
• Experience with pricing analysis, market research, or product lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with ERP, CRM, or business intelligence platforms.
• Experience creating dashboards and analyzing large data sets using Power BI or a similar analytical tool.
• Knowledge of category management principles and commercial business processes.

Key Competencies

Business Acumen

Analytical Thinking

Customer Focus

Strategic Mindset

Collaboration and Relationship Building

Project Management

Results Orientation

Adaptability

Continuous Improvement

Scope and Impact

• Supports category planning and execution for assigned product categories.
• Provides analytical insights and recommendations that inform category decisions.
• Contributes to revenue growth, profitability improvement, portfolio optimization, and customer satisfaction objectives.
• Works with cross-functional partners across business functions and geographic locations.

Work Environment

• Remote position based in the United States.
• Standard business hours, with flexibility to support business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required based on business demands.*

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.