Category Lead

HappyGlobal Service; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HappyGlobal Service seeks a Category Lead to drive growth and develop the business in the U.S. The role will shape category strategy, identify opportunities, and lead a team to execute commercial initiatives with brands, distributors, retailers, and merchants.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in e-commerce, category management, sales/business development, and team leadership, with the ability to build strong merchant and brand partnerships and navigate a fast-moving market.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in e-commerce, marketplace, retail, consumer, or related industries.
• Experience managing and developing a commercial or category-focused team.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving business growth and commercial objectives.
• Strong sales, business development, and partnership management capabilities.
• Understanding of B2B and B2C commercial models and customer acquisition processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a category team focused on expanding the business and building relationships with brands, distributors, retailers, and merchants.
• Develop and execute category strategies, including business goals, priorities, growth opportunities, and go-to-market plans.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop effective partnership models with brands and merchants.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to address business challenges and execute growth initiatives.
• Provide strategic recommendations to business partners across areas such as content, creator partnerships, affiliate programs, merchandising, and logistics.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key brands, retailers, distributors, and business partners.
• Keep business partners informed about new platform capabilities, commercial opportunities, and relevant market developments.
• Represent the business at relevant industry events, conferences, and partner meetings.
• Monitor category performance, market trends, and competitive developments to identify opportunities for continued growth.
• Recruit, develop, and coach team members while building a high-performing commercial organization.

Skills

e-commerce

category management

sales / business development

team leadership

Job description

We are supporting a leading global technology and e-commerce platform in hiring a Category Lead to drive the growth and development of its business in the U.S.

This role will be responsible for developing category strategy, identifying growth opportunities, building strong merchant and brand partnerships, and leading a team to execute commercial initiatives.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in e-commerce, category management, sales/business development, and team leadership, along with a solid understanding of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a category team focused on expanding the business and building relationships with brands, distributors, retailers, and merchants.
• Develop and execute category strategies, including business goals, priorities, growth opportunities, and go-to-market plans.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop effective partnership models with brands and merchants.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to address business challenges and execute growth initiatives.
• Provide strategic recommendations to business partners across areas such as content, creator partnerships, affiliate programs, merchandising, and logistics.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key brands, retailers, distributors, and business partners.
• Keep business partners informed about new platform capabilities, commercial opportunities, and relevant market developments.
• Represent the business at relevant industry events, conferences, and partner meetings.
• Monitor category performance, market trends, and competitive developments to identify opportunities for continued growth.
• Recruit, develop, and coach team members while building a high-performing commercial organization.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in e-commerce, marketplace, retail, consumer, or related industries.
• Experience managing and developing a commercial or category-focused team.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving business growth and commercial objectives.
• Strong sales, business development, and partnership management capabilities.
• Understanding of B2B and B2C commercial models and customer acquisition processes.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical ability, and business judgment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving and evolving business environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cosmetics, personal care, fashion, consumer goods, or retail.
• Experience in content-driven commerce, social commerce, or marketplace businesses.
• Established relationships with brands, retailers, distributors, or other relevant industry partners.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. consumer market.
• Experience building or scaling a new category or business.
• Creative and structured approach to solving complex business challenges.