Helmet Category Manager - Sales

Paddock; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpinestars seeks a Helmet Category Manager to drive the North American helmet category, collaborating with Sales, Product Development and Communications to grow revenue, market share, and profitability while upholding the brand's premium image. You will lead category strategy and coordinate with regional teams to launch products and campaigns.

The role requires 5+ years in category or product leadership within motor/sport goods, strong analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field.
• 5+ years in category management, product management, sales, or commercial leadership in relevant industries.
• Strong knowledge of wholesale, retail, and distribution in US, Mexico, Canada.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute NA helmet category strategy in partnership with Product Development and Sales.
• Manage category performance against revenue, margin, and market share targets.
• Provide category insights and regular performance reporting.
• Support sales teams with training, presentations, and strategic account planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align launches and campaigns.

Skills

Category management

Sales leadership

Analytics

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

CRM systems

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Helmet Category Manager is responsible for driving the commercial success of the Alpinestars Helmet category across the North American market. Acting as the key liaison between Sales, Product Development, Communications, this role develops and executes category strategies that maximize revenue, market share, and profitability while ensuring alignment with Alpinestars' premium brand positioning.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Commercial Management

• Develop and execute the North American commercial strategy for the Helmet category in partnership with Product Development and Sales leadership.
• Manage category performance against revenue, margin, and market share objectives.
• Analyze sales trends, customer demand, inventory levels, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Recommend product assortment, lifecycle management, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives to optimize business performance.
• Provide regular category performance reporting and actionable business insights.

Sales Support & Business Development

• Act as the category expert supporting regional sales teams, distributors, and key accounts.
• Deliver product training, presentations, and commercial support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist sales teams with seasonal line presentations, customer meetings, and strategic account planning.
• Identify opportunities to increase helmet penetration across existing and emerging markets.
• Support forecasting and demand planning activities to improve inventory management and product availability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Product Development to communicate customer feedback, market trends, and commercial opportunities that influence future product development.
• Collaborate with Communications team to develop launch strategies, promotional campaigns, merchandising tools, and retail support materials.
• Work with Supply Chain and Operations to ensure successful product launches and efficient inventory management.
• Coordinate with regional teams to align global category objectives with local market requirements.

Market Intelligence

• Monitor industry trends, consumer preferences, competitor activity, pricing strategies, and emerging technologies within the helmet market.
• Identify opportunities to expand market share through new products, market segments, and strategic initiatives.
• Represent Alpinestars at industry events, trade shows, dealer meetings, and customer presentations when required.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in category management, product management, sales, or commercial leadership within the motorcycle, powersports, sporting goods, or premium consumer products industry.
• Strong understanding of wholesale sales, retail environments, and distribution networks for US, Mexico and Canada.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze business performance and translate data into commercial action.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business reporting tools; experience with ERP or CRM systems is preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Key Competencies

• Commercial and strategic thinking
• Strong analytical and financial acumen
• Product passion and technical curiosity
• Customer-focused mindset
• Cross-functional leadership and collaboration
• Influencing and relationship management
• Presentation and communication skills
• Results-driven with strong organizational abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment