Built - Category Manager

Position OverviewThe Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies to drive product sales and growth. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams including Design, Sourcing, Sales, and Operations to bring new products to market and support existing product lines. The Category Manager contributes to product development, market analysis, and category performance tracking while helping ensure products are delivered on time and meet business objectives.The role requires strong organization, analytical thinking, and communication skills, along with a foundational understanding of product development and production processes.Essential Job FunctionsProduct Strategy &; Portfolio

Assist in analyzing category performance against key metrics and support reporting to division leadership.Research and monitor market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive productswithin the category.Contribute ideas for new product concepts aligned with category strategy and business objectives.Support development of product concept briefs and documentation for new productinitiatives.Assist in building and updating business cases during the product development stage-gate process.Analyze product performance data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for mprovements or new product launches.

Product Development

Collaborate with Design and Graphics teams to support product vision and ensurerequirements are clearly communicated.Participate in product development discussions, including concept refinement and testing.Assist in preparing product specifications, quotes, and production drawings with internal teams and suppliers.Work with sourcing and product development teams to help evaluate vendor options and ensure competitive costing.

Sales Support

Help develop product information packages and sales materials for new product launches.Support Sales and Marketing teams by providing product details, features, and category insights.Assist in preparing presentations, product summaries, and supporting documentation for customer meetings.

Delivery & Logistics

Support coordination of first shipments for new product launches.Work with Sales and Planning teams to help establish inventory guidelines for newproducts.Track production timelines and monitor order status from factory allocation throughdelivery.Assist in preparing status updates and reports for cross-functional partners.Communicate with overseas factories and internal teams regarding production schedules and deadlines.

Collaboration

Work closely with cross-functional teams including Design, Sourcing, Planning, andSales to ensure successful product development and launch.Contribute to team projects and support senior category leadership in executing category plans.

RequirementsEducation: Bachelor's degree required.Experience:2-4 years of experience in product management, category management, merchandising,sourcing, or related field.Skills and Abilities:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.Effective communication and presentation skills.Detail-oriented with the ability to understand both detailed information and overallbusiness objectives.

Preferred Experience:

Basic understanding of product development and production timelines.Experience working with large retail customers such as Walmart, Costco, or Target is a plus.Familiarity with cost analysis and supplier coordination.Systems Knowledge:Windows, MS Office, SAP, QlikView, PPM, Robohead, NPD (or similar tools).