What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Category Manager position at PCNA?
Join the PCNA Team!
Polyconcept North America (PCNA) is the industry’s biggest and most diverse offering of promotional products and decoration services. Our employees are spread across six locations.
At PCNA, we don’t just create products — we inspire brand experiences. Join our team and be part of a company where you can make a mark, build something meaningful, and grow in your career while helping brands leave lasting impressions.
We are currently hiring an Associate Category Manager – Hybrid – New Kensington, PA!
This role is responsible for driving category-level strategy, product development, and profitability in alignment with company goals.
What will you do in this role?
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Develops category plans with the Category Director to meet financial targets and ensure products are ready for purchase.
- Product Lifecycle Management: Oversees SKU productivity, minimizes obsolete inventory, and manages product launches from design to delivery.
- Sales & Margin Growth: Drives category sales and margin performance through pricing strategies and sourcing optimization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with merchandising, compliance, engineering, marketing, and operations teams to ensure successful product development and market launch.
- Market Analysis: Monitors sales trends and competitor activity to inform product strategies.
- Training & Communication: Creates sales tools and presents product strategies to internal teams and sales audiences.
- Compliance & Testing: Ensures all products meet compliance standards and testing requirements.
- Brand Management: Acts as brand manager for retail brand partners within assigned categories.
What does it take to be successful in this role?
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, merchandising, or related field
- A least 2 years’ experience in product development, category management, or a related field such as planning, merchandising, buying, or brand management required
- Experience in target customer and product trends required
- Strong management and leadership skills
- Strong product positioning and trend research
- Strong verbal, written and presentation skills
- Must have strong analytical skill set and ability to effectively analyze sales data
- Must have exceptional organizational skills
- Exhibit high levels of flexibility and professionalism in extremely fast-paced environment
- Ability to influence and work through cross-functional teams without formal authority.
What’s in it for YOU?
- Full healthcare and benefits! The health and wellness of our employees is important to us, that’s why we offer benefits including medical, vision, dental, short-term disability, and more!
- Flexible scheduling
- 401k Matching
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays
- PCNA Cares Share Fund – donating to teammates in times of need
By applying to this job and providing your mobile number, you are agreeing to receive an initial text from PCNA, which you will have the ability to opt out of upon receipt. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.
PCNA is an equal opportunity employer. PCNA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics, or any characteristic applicable under state, federal and local laws.
Fraud Disclaimer:
PCNA is aware of recruitment scams in which individuals are falsely claiming to represent our company and/or our employees. All legitimate communication from PCNA will come from our Applicant Tracking System, LinkedIn Recruiter, or a verified PCNA email address ending in @pcna.com. We do NOT conduct interviews via instant messaging platforms like Skype or request sensitive personal information early in the hiring process. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, we recommend verifying its legitimacy and immediately reporting any fraudulent activity.