Category Manager - Merchandising

Brandt is looking for a dynamic and results-driven Category Manager- Merchandising to join our growing marketing and merchandising team. This position plays a critical role in owning and driving the full category lifecycle — from product onboarding and assortment strategy to pricing, vendor management, and promotional execution — all with a focus on aligning in-store presence with Brandt's strategic vision.

Duties and Responsibilities

Category Management & Strategy:

• Own the category from end-to-end: feedback gathering, product selection, supplier negotiation, and performance tracking.
• Develop, refine, and execute Good-Better-Best strategies where applicable.
• Identify market gaps and opportunities, with a focus on private label product development.
• Monitor SKU performance, vendor scorecards, and category health across all regions and locations.

In-Store Merchandising & Brand Presence:

• Provide store-level merchandising direction including planograms, end-cap strategies, and aisle layout.
• Guide in-store product placement to drive conversion, improve traffic flow, and elevate customer experience.
• Oversee visual presentation, POP (Point-of-Purchase) materials, signage, and in-store branding execution.
• Collaborate with store teams and regional leaders to ensure consistent execution of merchandising standards.

Promotional Planning & Execution:

• Work with Marketing Account Managers to plan annual and seasonal promotional calendars.
• Lead the development of promotions, SPIFF programs, and in-store contests to support category growth.
• Deliver complete creative briefs and maintain adherence to timelines for marketing asset development.

Vendor & Inventory Management:

• Source and onboard new suppliers with focus on margin improvement and supply chain reliability.
• Collaborate with supply chain to manage stock levels, especially for seasonal and long-lead items.
• Participate in vendor negotiations, rebate programs, and strategic planning sessions.

Data & Performance Analysis:

• Track and report category sales, margin performance, inventory turns, and customer demand trends.
• Partner with analytics and finance teams to build reporting dashboards.
• Use market research and field feedback to inform assortment strategy and pricing decisions.

Visiting field branches is a necessary responsibility. This role includes in-store merchandising standards and working with marketing on other in-store experience and POP needs. This position is expected to be in the field 20% of the time, and the office 80% of the time working on their category and key responsibilities. Other travel to trade-shows may be required as the business unit grows.

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Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfort with Excel and data visualization tools.
• Knowledge of retail merchandising principles, visual presentation, and planogramming.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently and cross-functionally.

Required Experience

• 5+ years in category management, merchandising, retail marketing, or product management.
• Background in consumer goods, seasonal products, or retail merchandising is an asset.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfort with Excel and data visualization tools.
• Knowledge of retail merchandising principles, visual presentation, and planogramming.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently and cross-functionally.