Company Summary:

Blue Wave Products is a leading manufacturer/importer of home and leisure products. Our diverse customer base includes some of the most prominent retailers in the US and Canada, including Amazon, Walmart.com, Wayfair, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Overstock, and many others. The Company supports over 2,500 SKUs across our four main product categories which include: Pool & Leisure (Above Ground Pools, Pool Liners, Winter and Safety Covers, Cleaners, Pumps and Filters, Floats and Toys and Accessories) Indoor and Outdoor Games (Billiards, Air Hockey, Shuffleboards, Darts, etc.), Infrared Sauna’s (1-4 Person Hemlock and Cedar Wood Saunas) and Patio Furniture (Umbrellas, Hammocks, Patio Sets, Lounge Chairs, etc.) Based in Batavia, IL, the Company operates from a 275,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office facility. 

Primary Function:

The Associate Category Manager is market-driven and customer-oriented, responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the assigned product category and line strategies, achievement of the annual targeted sales, and net gross margin objectives. The Associate Category Manager assists in identifying opportunities within the product category through market research and competitor analysis, gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements. The Associate Category Manager assists in the product planning, new product development, sourcing, pricing, promotion, and channel management throughout the product lifecycle, working closely with the product category leader, purchasing, marketing, sales, and the suppliers, to ensure customer satisfaction, sales, and net gross margin goals are achieved.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in the development and execution of category strategic planning
• Identify key competitor and consumer trends
• Assists in managing quality assurance and quality control functions
• Manage and communicate with cross functional teams
• Help with product development by reviewing customer product star ratings
• Work with Customer Service to identify quality issues to pinpoint and reduce returns
• Monitor design trends
• Assist in developing product packaging solutions
• Other miscellaneous duties as requested by executive leadership

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or Product Development related field preferred
• Experience in product marketing, merchandising and/or new product development
• Ability to develop and execute a product category business plan
• Experience in product lifecycles and seasonal trend management preferred
• Understands product design and is passionate about creating new innovative products
• Strong communication skills
• Project management skills

Location:

Based in Batavia, IL requires office attendance 4 days per week, 1 day remote 

Benefits:

• Medical / Dental / Vision 
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Discretionary bonus
• Profit Sharing 401K
• 3 Weeks Paid Vacation 
• 10 Paid Holidays