Assistant Category Manager

Position Summary

The Associate Category Manager – Consumer Products supports the development and execution of category strategies across the product lifecycle, working closely with Category Managers and cross-functional partners to drive growth, profitability, and market competitiveness.

This role provides analytical, organizational, and project support for category planning, product development, channel execution, and data management. The Associate Category Manager develops foundational category management skills while gaining exposure to voice-of-consumer insights, market analysis, financial modeling, and retail strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Business Support

• Support Category Managers in developing and executing category strategies, including assortment planning, line extensions, and portfolio optimization.
• Assist with category planning, product roadmapping, and lifecycle management activities.
• Prepare analysis and recommendations related to costing, pricing, margins, and profitability.
• Help track category performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Product Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and sourcing partners to support product development activities.
• Assist in coordinating development timelines, cost targets, and sourcing initiatives as needed.
• Participate in ideation, concept development, and innovation projects.
• Support cross-functional execution from development through product launch.

Consumer & Market Analysis

• Partner with Consumer Insights and Category Managers to incorporate VOC data, reviews, and usage insights into category and product decisions.
• Participate in research on market trends, competitive landscape, materials, design innovations, and pricing.
• Assist with competitive benchmarking, assortment analysis, and opportunity identification.

Channel & Customer Support

• Support development of channel-specific assortment, pricing, and content recommendations for Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other key customers.
• Assist Sales with customer presentations, category reviews, and supporting materials.
• Work with Creative, Marketing, and Purchasing teams on packaging, color, and branding requirements.
• Help support promotional planning and execution activities.

Data Governance & Commercial Readiness

• Maintain accurate and complete category data, content, and assets across ERP, PIM, and DAM platforms in collaboration with data owners.
• Support PDP content development, specifications, imagery, and enhanced content readiness.
• Assist with data validation, audits, and content updates to ensure channel compliance.

Performance & Analytics

• Analyze internal sales, POS, and performance data to support assortment and pricing decisions.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to track category KPIs.
• Assist in developing insights for leadership review and decision-making.

Communication & Professional Development

• Communicate findings, analyses, and recommendations clearly to Category Managers and cross-functional partners.
• Prepare presentation materials, business cases, and project updates.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Actively develop category management, financial, and commercial skills through on-the-job experience and mentoring.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 2–3 years of experience in marketing, product management, category support, sourcing, merchandising, or related consumer products roles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data reporting tools.
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%, potentially including international travel.

Physical Demands

• Extended periods of computer work primarily involving sitting.
• Light physical work, including lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds.