Category Manager

Aquent (United States); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent in Boston seeks a Category Manager with operational prowess to influence brand and product categories, managing budgets and coordinating milestones. You will shape brand strategies, collaborate across marketing, sales, and operations, lead product launches, and use market insights to drive impactful results.

The role rewards detail-oriented execution in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive on cross-functional collaboration and turning strategies into market realities, this is your

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of directly relevant work experience in an operations, finance, or project management role.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered (e.g., PhD or Law + 3 yrs; Masters + 4 yrs; Associates degree + 6 yrs; High School + 7 yrs).
• Demonstrated expertise in Excel for budget management and data analysis.
• Strong process and operational skills, including exceptional attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to hold teammates accountable.
• Highly collaborative nature with a proven ability to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear and concise stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Actively assist with budget management for brand and category initiatives, ensuring effective resource allocation and tracking work-in-progress budgets.
• Develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies, defining identity, positioning, and messaging to resonate with target audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and optimize product assortments, leveraging market trends and consumer insights.
• Lead product launch initiatives, coordinating with marketing, sales, and operations to develop go-to-market strategies and maximize market impact.
• Conduct thorough market research to understand consumer preferences, industry trends, and competitive landscapes, utilizing insights for informed decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating terms and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product offerings.
• Plan and execute promotional campaigns to drive brand awareness and product sales, aligning efforts with overall brand strategy.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of brands and product categories using key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess strategy effectiveness and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and product development teams, to ensure alignment between brand/category strategies and overall business objectives.
• Help establish and refine operational processes, including standing up new meetings and workflows to enhance team efficiency.
• Structure game plans and milestone meetings, ensuring all team members are prepared for workbacks and check-ins.
• Drive process adherence and accountability within the team, ensuring deadlines are met and operational standards are upheld.

Skills

Budget management

Excel

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking a Category Manager whose operational prowess and strategic thinking will directly influence the success of brand and product categories. You will be instrumental in shaping how initiatives are executed, from managing vital budgets to streamlining complex processes and coordinating key project milestones. This position offers a unique chance to drive efficiency, foster collaboration across diverse teams, and ensure that brand strategies translate into impactful market realities. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess a keen eye for detail, and are passionate about enabling brand success through meticulous execution, this is your opportunity to shine.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively assist with budget management for brand and category initiatives, ensuring effective resource allocation and tracking work-in-progress budgets.
• Develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies, defining identity, positioning, and messaging to resonate with target audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and optimize product assortments, leveraging market trends and consumer insights.
• Lead product launch initiatives, coordinating with marketing, sales, and operations to develop go-to-market strategies and maximize market impact.
• Conduct thorough market research to understand consumer preferences, industry trends, and competitive landscapes, utilizing insights for informed decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating terms and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product offerings.
• Plan and execute promotional campaigns to drive brand awareness and product sales, aligning efforts with overall brand strategy.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of brands and product categories using key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess strategy effectiveness and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and product development teams, to ensure alignment between brand/category strategies and overall business objectives.
• Help establish and refine operational processes, including standing up new meetings and workflows to enhance team efficiency.
• Structure game plans and milestone meetings, ensuring all team members are prepared for workbacks and check-ins.
• Drive process adherence and accountability within the team, ensuring deadlines are met and operational standards are upheld.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of directly relevant work experience in an operations, finance, or project management role.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered (e.g., PhD or Law + 3 yrs; Masters + 4 yrs; Associates degree + 6 yrs; High School + 7 yrs).
• Demonstrated expertise in Excel for budget management and data analysis.
• Strong process and operational skills, including exceptional attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to hold teammates accountable.
• Highly collaborative nature with a proven ability to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear and concise stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Stand-Out Qualifications

• Proven ability to design and uphold complex operational processes.
• Experience with creative production workflows.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Budget management experience within the consumer goods industry.