Category Manager

Strategic-Retail-Partners; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Company provided short term disability

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Floating holidays

Flexible PTO

401(k) with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Weekly pay

Job summary

Strategic Retail Partners in Denver seeks a Category Manager of Product to own a product category portfolio. The role drives growth through strategic planning, lifecycle management, pricing, and cross-functional collaboration with suppliers, sales, and marketing.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in product or category management, a bachelor's degree (preferred), strong analytical and project management skills, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in product management or category management.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive decisions.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and collaboration across functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with Excel, SharePoint and Smartsheet.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy to drive growth and profitability.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive dynamics.
• Define product roadmaps and manage the lifecycle from concept to launch.
• Collaborate with suppliers, creative, and sales teams to develop innovative products.
• Oversee product development ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Manage pricing, positioning, and packaging to maximize profitability.
• Monitor market trends, customer feedback, and competitive activity.
• Provide insights to senior management for strategic decisions.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of the category for improvements.
• Work with sales, marketing, and supply chain for launches and promotions.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders to align goals with business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to drive initiatives and targets.
• Prepare and manage the category budget aligned with financial targets.
• Track and report on category performance including sales and margins.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

SharePoint

Smartsheet

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Excel

SharePoint

Smartsheet

Job description

Role Overview:The Category Manager of Product will be responsible for managing and optimizing a specific category of products within our portfolio. Current categories include plush, toy, work gloves, headwear, consumables, toy, supplements, travel goods, and more. This role involves strategic planning, product development, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive category growth and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product management, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to lead projects with cross-functional teams.About Us:Driven by our mission to exceed the expectations of on-the-go consumers, Strategic Retail Partners has grown from a regional sunglasses distributor founded in 1969 into an international leader of in-store merchandising solutions. We have built relationships with thousands of international, national, and regional retailers who rely on our customized solutions in more than 70,000+ locations across the U.S. and Canada. With warehouse facilities in several states and service representatives covering all regions of the country, there isn't a retail location we can't service.Duties and Responsibilities:Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy to drive growth and profitability.Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive dynamics.Define product roadmaps and manage the product lifecycle from concept to launch.Collaborate with suppliers, creative, and sales teams to develop innovative products that meet customer needs.Oversee the product development process, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of new products.Manage product pricing, positioning, and packaging to maximize market penetration and profitability.Monitor and analyze market trends, customer feedback, and competitive activity.Provide insights and recommendations to senior management to inform strategic decision-making.Conduct regular performance reviews of the category, identifying areas for improvement and growth.Work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure effective product launches and promotions.Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders to align category goals with overall business objectives.Lead cross-functional project teams to drive category initiatives and achieve targets.Prepare and manage the category budget, ensuring alignment with financial targets.Track and report on category performance, including sales, margins, and profitability.Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality or customer satisfaction.Hybrid role: Onsite Mondays and Thursdays in downtown Denver and as needed for training and projects. Parking is paid.Benefits and PerksMedical, dental, and vision insuranceCompany paid short term disability and life insurancePaid holidays and floating holidaysFlexible PTO401(k) with company matchTuition ReimbursementEmployees Paid WeeklyWe do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran (U.S.) status. The company will provide accommodation to applicants, including those with disabilities, during the recruitment process, in accordance with applicable laws.The annual gross base salary of $60,000–$70,000 annually. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. Actual salaries will vary and are based on factors such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies.Minimum of three years of experience in product management, category management, or a related role.Bachelor’s degree preferred.Proven track record of successfully managing a product category and driving growth.Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.Strong leadership abilities with a focus on team collaboration.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with a concentration on Excel, SharePoint and Smartsheet.Ability to travel to tradeshows or meetings.