Hybrid Associate Category Manager — Woodworking & Hardware

Rockler; Medina (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Rockler in Medina, MN is seeking an Associate Category Manager to support Sr. Merchants. You will help drive the financial performance of assigned departments and categories, manage product life cycles, and develop merchandising concepts to grow category share.

You will collaborate across merchandising, marketing, and distribution teams, negotiate with vendors, and mentor with leadership. Woodworking and home improvement background is a plus; hybrid in-office presence is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 1+ years’ experience in category management, merchandising, or buying.
• Proficient with MS Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiating and vendor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of product life cycle in selected product categories.
• Develop merchandising concepts and promotional plans to drive category growth and optimize assortment.
• Mentor with Merchandising leadership to develop in-category expertise.
• Determine standard and promotional pricing through competitive analysis and industry research.
• Evaluate industry and competitive trends; identify new opportunities.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with buyers, merchandisers, marketing, and distribution to ensure efficient supply chain and accurate product representation.
• Stay ahead of competition as industry and customer expert and maintain optimal product assortment.
• Monitor and report on key metrics.

Skills

MS Office

Communication

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Rockler in Medina, MN is seeking an Associate Category Manager to support Sr. Merchants. You will help drive the financial performance of assigned departments and categories, manage product life cycles, and develop merchandising concepts to grow category share.

You will collaborate across merchandising, marketing, and distribution teams, negotiate with vendors, and mentor with leadership. Woodworking and home improvement background is a plus; hybrid in-office presence is required.