Bauer: Associate Category Manager, Skates

Bauerhockeycascademaveriklacrosse; Exeter (NH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid parental leave

Employee discount program

Job summary

Bauerhockeycascademaveriklacrosse is looking for an Associate Category Manager for Skates. This role involves assisting with product lifecycle management and executing seasonal category plans. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a deep understanding of market insights and product strategy.

With a focus on collaboration across teams, the Associate Category Manager will drive growth opportunities and assist in executing the go-to-market strategy. The position offers a diverse and supportive work environment with benefits including an annual incentive plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of category management experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire product lifecycle and execution plans.
• Assist in creating 4-year category strategies and objectives.
• Develop insights and strategies for product line growth.

Skills

Category management experience

Strong communication skills

Strategic and analytical thinking

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Knowledge of the hockey industry

Education

BS or BA in Marketing, Business or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

TEAMMATES WANTED

Working at Bauer is like playing on a hockey team. We empower each other to be our best. Everyone on the team has an important role to play. You might be leading others or collaborating with teammates on a big project. Whatever your title, you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Founded in 1927, Bauer Hockey developed the first skate. Since then, our passion for the game, drive for innovation, and commitment to the hockey community have made us the most trusted brand in hockey.

Purpose & Core Values

Our purpose at Bauer is to enrich life experiences through sports. We have the responsibility to cultivate the future of our brands. We are always "we" and never "I". We love what we do. We believe anything is possible and work to be our best. We strive to always redefine the standard of excellence in all that we do.

Want to join our team as an Associate Category Manager, Skates?

The Associate Category Manager role is responsible for assisting with execution, commercialization, and ongoing support of the Bauer Skates product lines. Reporting to the Category Director, Skates, the Associate Category Manager will assist with driving the product lifecycle, collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align and execute the seasonal category plans and drive category go‑to‑market strategy and planning for both new and existing products. The successful candidate will analyze consumer research and insights, brand tracking data, sales information, and projections to develop and execute marketing plans.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

• Assist with managing the entire product lifecycle, including attaining volume, profit, margin dollars, market share and ensuring execution is in line with strategic plan.
• Assist the Category Director, Skates in creating 4‑year category strategy and seasonal objectives.
• Be the consumer insights and competitive market industry specialist to drive product line strategy and brand growth.
• Validate selling stories, features, benefits and final product direction through consumer insight collection.
• Develop a deep understanding of business dynamics, retailer trends & challenges, to identify growth opportunities.
• Partner with cross functional teams to execute the seasonal product plans for the skate category, including sales, marketing, product development, logistics & supply and demand planning.
• Assist with the creation of product briefs outlining product performance requirements, target costs, wholesale and retail pricing, and unit forecasts.
• Lead and participate in category launch team meetings.
• Attend and participate in bi‑annual sales meetings and partner summits.

Qualifications

• BS or BA in Marketing, Business or related field- or equivalent years of relevant and related experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years of category management experience, leading product assortments and execution.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presenting to Leadership and cross‑functional partners, formally and informally.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with the proven ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
• A catalyst who moves ideas forward and excels at influencing and communicating across a large organization.
• Strong information seeking skills and detail oriented with ability to seek creative viable solutions to any situation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• General understanding of other business applications (SAP).
• Knowledge of AI and capabilities of AI.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a diverse group.
• Knowledge of the hockey industry and a core understanding of the consumer preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, with expected travel of up to 25%.

We are pretty sure you’ll want to know this position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual incentive plan. We also offer one of the most generous benefits packages around including a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid parental leave, an employee discount program on apparel and gear, casual & hybrid work environment and a host of other perks we don't have room to mention here.

We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer.

We use AI‑assisted tools during parts of our recruitment process to help ensure fairness and efficiency. All final hiring decisions are made by our human hiring team.