Mikasa Hospitality - Assistant Category Manager

Lifetime Brands, Inc.; Village of Garden City (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Assistant Category Manager to join their team in the hospitality sector. This dynamic role involves supporting the strategic development of product categories, analyzing market trends, and optimizing supplier relationships. You will play a vital role in ensuring product assortments meet customer demands while collaborating with various departments to drive category performance. If you are eager to grow your career in a collaborative and innovative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a company that values quality, design, and sustainability in every product they offer.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career development

Collaborative working environment

Focus on employee well-being and work-life balance

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in category management or procurement preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in analyzing sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Support product assortment and supplier management for timely delivery.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP Systems

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

Mikasa Hospitality - Assistant Category Manager

Job Description

Posted Friday, January 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM

About Mikasa Hospitality: Mikasa Hospitality is a premier brand in the hospitality industry, providing top-tier tableware and buffet ware to hotels, restaurants, and event venues in North America. Our commitment to quality, design, and sustainability is reflected in every product we offer. As we continue to expand our product offerings, we are seeking a motivated and dynamic Assistant Category Manager to join our team and contribute to the success of our brand.

Job Summary: The Assistant Category Manager will play a key role in supporting the category manager and president in the strategic development and growth of our product categories. This role is perfect for someone passionate about product management, market analysis, and supply chain operations. The Assistant Category Manager will assist in identifying trends, optimizing product assortments, managing supplier relationships, and driving category performance. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven individual looking to develop a career in category management and procurement within the hospitality industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Analysis & Reporting: Assist in tracking and analyzing sales data, market trends, and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities and challenges within assigned product categories.
• Product Assortment & Selection: Support the Category Manager in curating and expanding product assortments to meet customer demands and align with market trends, ensuring products are innovative, competitive, and aligned with Mikasa Hospitality’s brand vision.
• Supplier Management: Help maintain positive relationships with suppliers, assist with price negotiations, manage product inquiries, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely product delivery and quality standards.
• Inventory & Stock Management: Collaborate with the supply chain and inventory teams to manage stock levels, forecast demand, and minimize excess inventory or stockouts.
• Product Launch & Promotion: Assist in planning and executing product launches and promotions, working closely with the marketing and sales teams to ensure alignment on messaging, positioning, and timelines.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, and logistics teams to support category initiatives and ensure effective product placement and availability.
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to provide actionable insights and recommendations to the Category Manager.
• Administrative Support: Provide general administrative support to the category management team, including preparing reports, maintaining product catalogs, and updating product information.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in a category management, procurement, or retail buying role, preferably within the hospitality or consumer goods industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work cross-functionally with different teams.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
• Passion for the hospitality industry and keen interest in product trends and innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the hospitality industry, particularly in the area of tableware, kitchenware, or similar products.
• Experience with vendor and supplier management.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career development and growth within a dynamic and innovative company.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment with a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.

If you are passionate about the hospitality industry, have an eye for market trends, and are eager to contribute to the growth of an established brand, we encourage you to apply for the Assistant Category Manager position at Mikasa Hospitality.