Category Merchandising Manager

Key Areas of Focus

Category Strategy & Financial Planning

Assortment Planning & SKU Optimization

GTM Process Management & Cross-Functional Alignment

Business Analytics, Forecasting, & Reporting

Category Planning KPIs include but not limited to:

Revenue, Margin, And Sell-Through

Forecast Accuracy

SKU Productivity

Assortment Performance Metrics

Key Relationships

Product Development

Finance

Marketing / Artist Relations

Commercial (Sales) inclusive of Ecommerce

Operations / Demand Planning

Scope

Gibson and Epiphone Brands - Global

Overall Job Purpose

The Category Planning Manager will play a central role in building and executing Gibson's category planning capability across both the Gibson and Epiphone brands. Working closely with the Category Planning Director, this role is responsible for developing and managing category plans, leading SKU optimization efforts, and driving cross-functional alignment throughout the Go To Market process. The Manager will own category-level financial planning and assortment strategy for the Gibson and Epiphone brands, translating market and consumer insights into actionable product and commercial decisions that drive profitable growth.

Essential Functions

• Develop and manage category plans including financial targets, SKU count and mix, price band strategy, and product lifecycle recommendations by brand and channel
• Lead SKU optimization and rationalization analysis, identifying opportunities to improve assortment productivity and reduce complexity
• Own category-level revenue and margin forecasting, maintaining accuracy across planning cycles and GTM milestones
• Drive cross-functional alignment by coordinating inputs from Product, Marketing, Commercial, Finance, and Operations at key GTM milestones
• Support the development and maintenance of the GTM calendar, ensuring milestone deadlines are met and deliverables are clearly communicated to stakeholders
• Analyze sell-in and sell-through data to identify category performance trends, risks, and opportunities, and translate findings into recommended actions
• Partner with Commercial teams to develop regional and channel assortment recommendations that optimize distribution and support key account strategies
• Assist in the preparation of category presentations for internal milestone reviews, CEO approval meetings, and key account pre-lines
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Category & Assortment Planning - Demonstrated ability to build and manage category plans across multiple brands, channels, and price segments
• Financial Acumen - Strong understanding of revenue, margin, and contribution metrics with experience translating financial targets into product and assortment strategies
• Data Analysis - Ability to synthesize complex datasets from multiple sources to identify trends, risks, and actionable opportunities
• Cross-Functional Influence - Proven ability to work across functions and build alignment with stakeholders at multiple levels of an organization
• Communication & Storytelling - Writes and presents insights and recommendations clearly and persuasively for diverse audiences including senior leadership

Required Education and Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in category planning, merchandising planning, product management or a related function
• Demonstrated experience building category or assortment plans with clear financial accountability
• Experience working in a multi-channel environment (wholesale and direct-to-consumer)
• Experience participating in or managing a GTM or product development calendar preferred
• Musical instruments industry experience a plus

Essential Knowledge

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Experience with BI tools (PowerBI preferred)
• Familiarity with ERP and PLM/PIM systems a plus
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management
• Project management skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about working and winning in a team environment.
• Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
• Proactive and intellectually curious - comfortable questioning the status quo and proposing solutions
• Clear and logical thinker with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Genuine passion for music and the Gibson brand a plus

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel to other facilities and key account meetings may be required, typically less than 15% of the time.

Physical Demands

• Comply with Gibson Safety requirements and actively participate in maintaining a safe work environment