Merchandising Category Manager - Balsam Hill Studio

Balsambrands; Burlingame (CA); Hybrid; USD 71,635 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

Balsambrands is seeking a Merchandising Category Manager to drive product development and merchandising strategies. In this hybrid role, you will manage key elements from concept through launch, ensuring alignment with brand objectives.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a strong understanding of product lifecycle management. This full-time temporary position offers a base pay rate of $52.00-65.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in product development or merchandising, preferably in home décor or holiday categories.
• Strong merchant mindset with an eye for design and customer experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and PLM tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end lifecycle of product development for assigned categories.
• Lead vendor relationships and provide clear direction on design intent.
• Drive sample development and approvals across multiple product lines.

Skills

Product development

Vendor management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Creative Suite

Tools

PLM tools

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Merchandising Category Manager (Temp/Contract) – Balsam Hill Studio

In this hybrid role of Merchandising and Product Development for Balsam Hill Studio, you will own and drive key elements of the development and merchandising strategy, guiding products from concept through launch across multiple Balsam Hill Studio locations. This role blends creative vision, merchant thinking, and operational excellence to deliver compelling, location‑inspired assortments that meet brand, quality, and financial objectives.

You will serve as a primary partner to vendors and internal teams, providing direction on product development, assortment architecture, and execution while supporting B2B partnerships, new growth initiatives, and special projects as the business expands.

This full‑time TEMP position reports to the VP of Product Development and is expected to work in a hybrid model, which currently includes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in‑office.

About Balsam Hill Studio

Balsam Hill Studio is an extension of our renowned holiday brand Balsam Hill, reimagining souvenir shopping by offering premium, location‑inspired ornaments that celebrate each destination’s unique spirit. From our flagship stores in Hawaii to future openings in other iconic locales, Balsam Hill Studio brings the artistry and storytelling of fine holiday décor to the world of travel keepsakes.

What you will do:

• Own product development for assigned categories, managing the end‑to‑end lifecycle from concept through production and launch
• Lead vendor relationships, providing clear direction on design intent, quality standards, costing, and timelines
• Drive sample development, approvals, and revisions across multiple product lines, ensuring timely execution
• Develop and maintain accurate line lists, product specifications, and development trackers
• Provide strategic, actionable feedback to vendors to elevate product quality and consistency
• Partner cross‑functionally with Creative, Planning, Sourcing, and Store teams to align with assortment strategy and execution
• Contribute to location‑based assortment planning, balancing trends, storytelling, and commercial performance
• Identify risks and opportunities within the development process and proactively recommend solutions
• Set selling prices, support and recommend markdowns and launch timing for newness

What you bring to the table:

• 8+ years of experience in product development and/or merchandising, preferably in home décor or seasonal/holiday categories
• Proven ability to manage vendors, sampling, and product approvals with minimal oversight
• Strong merchant mindset with an eye for design, trend, and customer experience
• Excellent organizational, communication, and prioritization skills
• Attention to detail is critical
• Ability to build productive relationships with cross‑functional and external partners
• Confidence making decisions and influencing outcomes in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; PLM tools are required
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite; AI tools, design or illustration skills a plus
• Experience developing or buying glass ornaments preferred
• Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable operating in a “startup” mentality
• Willingness to travel as needed

Notes:

This is a temporary position, expected to last through March 2027.

Base Pay

The base pay rate for this position is: $52.00-65.00 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Employment

At Balsam Brands, we strive to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team to fulfill our purpose to create joy together. Balsam Brands is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or caregiver status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application and interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.