Job Description
CATEGORY MANAGER (FOOTWEAR/APPAREL)
Location: Marysville, OH
Department: Product
Reports To: Head of Product
Job Type: Full-Time
ABOUT RUDIS: RUDIS is a leader in the wrestling apparel and footwear industry, committed to delivering innovative and high-quality products that resonate with athletes and fans alike. We are passionate about the sport and driven to support wrestlers with products that enhance their performance and express their identity.
JOB SUMMARY: We are seeking a confident and experienced Category Manager to join our team as a high-level individual contributor. In this pivotal role, you will manage the entire lifecycle of a specific product category, from development to sales performance. This includes strategic oversight of product assortment, pricing, marketing, and sales analysis. You will take ownership of the P&L (Profit and Loss) for your category provided by the finance department, focusing on driving sales, margins, and overall profitability. Working closely with designers and developers, you will ensure that products align with business goals and meet the needs of our core consumers. You will also collaborate with marketing teams to create effective campaigns that position and promote products strategically while engaging in high-level planning to drive category growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Product Strategy & Development:
- Independently manage the entire lifecycle of your category, from initial product development to market introduction and sales performance.
- Collaborate closely with designers, developers, and marketing to create products that align with business goals and resonate with the core consumer.
- Conduct market research and consumer insights analysis to inform product strategy and category management.
- Define and manage the product assortment alongside the planner and merchants, ensuring a balance of innovation, quality, and consumer demand.
- Sales & Performance Management:
- Own the P&L for the success of your category, focusing on driving sales, margins, and overall profitability. Closely collaborating with all sales funnels to ensure alignment.
- Set ambitious sales targets and develop strategies to achieve them, optimizing product offerings to drive category growth.
- Analyze sales data and trends to inform decisions on pricing, product assortment, and promotional strategies throughout the lifecycle of the product.
- Offers suggestions in collaboration with Sales and Marketing teams to creatively sell slow-moving products to meet business objectives and sales goals
- Marketing Collaboration:
- Collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling campaigns that effectively position and promote products.
- Ensure marketing efforts align with the product's unique selling propositions and target consumers, leading these efforts with confidence.
- Develop go-to-market strategies, product launches, and promotional activities that support category success.
- Product Communication:
- Develop product descriptions that highlight key features, benefits, and the unique value proposition of each product.
- Ensure consistency in product messaging across all channels, including e-commerce, custom team, event, and marketing materials.
- Effectively communicate and deliver the product story to the marketing and sales teams in an on-brand way that connects with our consumers.
- Market Monitoring & Strategic Planning:
- Monitor market trends and consumer behavior to stay ahead of industry shifts and inform product strategy.
- Engage in high-level strategic planning, often overseeing multiple products within your category.
- Provide strategic input on inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing excess inventory.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Proactively engage with supply chain, sales, and production teams to ensure timely delivery and availability of products.
- Work independently to collaborate with various teams, leading initiatives without daily oversight.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in product management, merchandising, or a similar role in the athletic apparel or footwear industry.
- Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape in the sports or athletic apparel sector.
- Confident and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive results without daily management.
- Proven track record of driving sales and achieving business goals in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and lead initiatives.
- Creative mindset with a keen eye for product design and storytelling.
- Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions to optimize product performance.
Why Join RUDIS?
- Be part of a passionate and innovative team that is dedicated to the sport of wrestling.
- Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and success of a leading brand in the industry.
- Take on a leadership role with autonomy and ownership over your category.
Job Tags
Full time, Shift work,