Category Specialist

Description

We are HALO! We connect people and brands to create unforgettable, meaningful, and lasting experiences that build brand engagement and loyalty for our over 60,000 clients globally. Our nearly 2,000 employees and 1,000 Account Executives located in 40 sales offices across the United States are the reason HALO is the global leader in branded merchandise, uniform programs, and recognition and incentive solutions.

HALO is seeking a Category Specialist to support category sourcing, cost development, and product solutions that drive successful enterprise opportunities and ongoing client programs.

Operating at the intersection of Sales, Merchandising, Account Management, and Global Sourcing, this role translates product direction into executable, cost-effective solutions. This individual partners closely with Senior Sourcing Specialists to support supplier strategy, cost analysis, and sourcing execution, ensuring solutions are commercially viable and aligned to project objectives.

This role owns specific product categories (e.g., apparel, drinkware, tech, hardgoods), serving as a category resource for supplier capabilities, product options, cost drivers, and market trends. Upon award, this role supports the transition of sourcing inputs, supplier selections, and cost details to Implementation and Merchandising teams to ensure alignment with program requirements.

This role requires experience within the promotional products industry and contributes to ongoing product trend insights and assortment recommendations to support competitiveness and relevance

Responsibilities:

Sourcing Execution & Cost Support

• Support Senior Sourcing Specialists in delivering cost-competitive sourcing solutions for RFPs, informal pursuits, and existing client opportunities
• Execute RFQs, supplier outreach, and quote analysis, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment to timelines
• Assist in supplier identification, evaluation, and selection across domestic and overseas manufacturing
• Participate in supplier negotiations and support cost optimization efforts
• Develop and validate cost inputs, including pricing, freight considerations, and landed cost awareness
• Ensure all cost details, supplier selections, and sourcing inputs are clearly documented for Implementation handoff
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, material optimization, and alternative sourcing options
  
  

Category Ownership & Product Lifecycle Support

• Own assigned product categories, developing working knowledge of suppliers, product options, cost structures, and decoration methods
• Support category execution by providing supplier recommendations and product options aligned to project needs
• Partner with Merchandising to support the product lifecycle, including replacement options, refresh opportunities, and discontinued product management
• Maintain visibility into supplier changes, product availability, and lifecycle status, proactively identifying alternatives
• Provide quick-turn sourcing recommendations to support ongoing client needs
  
  

Product Trends & Insights

• Monitor product, material, supplier, and market trends within assigned categories
• Identify emerging products, decoration methods, and supplier capabilities
• Contribute to sourcing recommendations and presentations, supporting Sales, Merchandising, and Account Management
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Merchandising, or related field a plus
• 2 years of experience within the promotional products industry (distributor, supplier, or related)
• Experience supporting supplier sourcing and cost analysis across domestic and overseas production
• Ability to identify and translate product, material, and supplier trends into actionable sourcing recommendations
• Understanding of landed cost, freight, and decoration cost drivers
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Strong analytical and Excel skills
• Strong communication and supplier coordination skills
• Experience with ERP/PDM systems preferred
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, AI tools to improve efficiency in sourcing and workflow execution
• Willingness to travel to suppliers and trade shows, and corporate engagements as needed
• Operates with urgency, discipline, and a strong ownership mindset
  
  

Compensation: The estimated base salary range for this position is between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. Please note that this pay range serves as a general guideline and reflects a broad spectrum of labor markets across the US. While it is uncommon for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the range, compensation decisions are influenced by various factors. At HALO, these include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's work experience, location, education and training, key skills, internal equity, external market data, and broader market and business considerations.

Benefits: At HALO, we offer benefits that support all aspects of your life, helping you find a work-life balance that’s right for you. Our comprehensive benefits include nationwide coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance, along with additional Voluntary Benefits. Prepare for your financial future with our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

Application Information: To apply to this opportunity, click the APPLY button at the top right or very bottom of the screen to complete our online application. A resume is optional, so you may choose to upload and have the application prefill with your information. There are 5 sections to complete in total, including General information, Work History, Education, Compliance, and optional demographic questions. Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive a submission confirmation email from our system.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed and processed only when there is a specific need or opportunity, rather than on a fixed schedule or at a set deadline. Because they are reviewed on an as-needed basis, a job posting will be removed once the position has been filled or is no longer available.

More About HALO:

At HALO, we energize our clients' brands and amplify their stories to capture the attention of those who matter most. That’s why over 60,000 small- and mid-sized businesses partner with us, making us the global leader in the branded merchandise industry.

• Career Advancement: At HALO, we’re passionate about promoting from within. Internal promotions have been key to our exponential growth over the past few years. With so many industry leaders at HALO, you’ll have the opportunity to accelerate your career by learning from their experience, insights, and skills. Plus, you'll gain access to HALO’s influential global network, leadership opportunities, and diverse perspectives.
• Culture: We love working here, and we’re confident you will too. At HALO, you’ll experience a culture of ingenuity, inclusion, and relentless determination. We push the limits of possibility and imagination by staying curious, humble, and bold breaking through yesterday’s limits. Diversity fuels our creativity, and we thrive when each of us contributes to an inclusive environment based on respect, dignity, and equity. We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence with a commitment to results and supporting one another with accountability, transparency, and dependability.
• Recognition: At HALO, your success is our success. You can count on us to celebrate your wins. Colleagues across the company will join in recognizing your milestones and nominating you for awards. Over time, you’ll accumulate recognition that can be converted into gift cards, trips, concert tickets, and merchandise from your favorite brands.
  
  

HALO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We insist on an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Inclusion is a core value at HALO and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people.

HALO participates in E-Verify. Please see the following notices in English and Spanish for important information: E-Verify Participation and Right to Work.

HALO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at hr@halo.com. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be reviewed and responded to on a case-by-case basis.