Job Information
West Marine Associate Category Manager- Recreation /Lifestyle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
About West Marine We don’t just sell anchors and rigging. We sell a love of the water that lasts for generations. We don’t just sell life jackets and flares. We sell peace of mind for your most precious cargo. We don’t just have a passion for boating. We have a lifetime of experience that we can’t wait to share with you. So when you shop at West Marine, it’s not just for boating gear – it’s for the pure pursuit of more water and less hassle. If you have a passion for being on the water and are looking to join a world-class organization, then West Marine is the place for you! West Marine is recognized as the premier multi-channel retailer of boating and fishing supplies with more than 230 stores located throughout 37 states and Puerto Rico. When you work at West Marine, you’re part of a family; one that values spending quality time on the water, doing the things you love, and sharing that passion with our customers and community. Position Summary: We are seeking an Associate Category Manager in our Fort Lauderdale, FL Support Center. The ideal candidate should...
be a positive, results-driven product leader that develops the overall strategy for their product categories.
have significant experience in a multi-store category management or buying environment.
lead with clarity, focus and compassion.
use data to determine the optimal assortment, selling price and promotional cadence appropriate to channel and category.
have a “customer first” mentality and strive to create raving fans through having the right products in the right place at the right time and at the right price.
be able to develop a clear marketing cadence for key products and will deliver on financial results.
have the required collaborative and cross-functional capabilities to lead strategies from conception through execution.
have a considerable track record of building industry-leading vendor partnerships that result in innovative assortments, profitable growth and win-win outcomes for all parties.
have successful negotiating experience in a fast-pace, growth industry
Primary Responsibilities:
The Associate Category manager will have complete responsibility for specified portion of product assortments or sub-departments under the oversight of the CM or DMM. Will be required to manage the E2E processes necessary to achieve or exceed sales and profitability objectives for that area
This position participates in the forecasting and analysis of business results, identifies key industry trends, plans product assortment and negotiates with vendors as it pertains to a particular area of the business
The Associate Category Manager will assist the CM/DMM with creation, implementation, and execution of product strategies that align with business objectives and financial goals
This role will support the CM through a variety of tasks, including business analysis, product review, vendor management, and execution of strategy
Create compelling assortments and ensure they are regionally appropriate, seasonally relevant and marine-focused.
Work in partnership with the Merchandise Planner and Category Manager to be accountable for achieving category KPIs including, but not limited to, sales, profit and turn.
Responsible for in-season management of assortment; inclusive of marketing, pricing and product presentation across all selling channels.
Item set up and sku maintenance
Education, Experience & Skills:
A bachelor’s degree in business or related field
3 plus years-experience in Category Management or Merchandising in a retail buying environment
Excellent communicator who fosters open communication and listens. Speaks and writes effectively and with professional acumen.
High emotional intelligence with the ability to adapt quickly to change and act with integrity.
Analytical with the ability to think strategically and provide vision to the team and vendor community. Will push for innovation both in product and process.
Understanding and demonstrated execution of merchandising math principles
Proven negotiator
Strong presentation skills
Skilled conflict manager
Excellent vendor relationship development track record
PC proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Office 365, Power Point, Excel, Word
Relex and JDA knowledge a plus.
Demonstrates adaptability and acts with integrity.
Analytical and strategic—Ability to think strategically and provide vision to the team and vendor community. Will push for innovation both in product and process.
Boating knowledge or experience is highly preferred.