Associate Category Manager

Job Title: Associate Category Manager - Early Childhood Education Supplies

Summary:

The Associate Category Manager is responsible for creating and executing merchandising strategies and tactical plans for early childhood educational supplies, including Arts & Crafts, Curriculum, and Furniture categories. The primary goal is to drive revenue and margin growth while enhancing customer engagement and optimizing product presentation across Discountschoolsupply.com, Reallygoodstuff.com, Amazon, and other retail/marketplace channels.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Merchandising Strategy Development:

• Develop, communicate, and execute category strategies focusing on assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and visual merchandising.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align merchandising efforts with overall company growth initiatives.

2. Customer Engagement & Growth:

• Drive engagement and loyalty with existing customers while attracting new customers through digital and print marketing channels.
• Leverage competitive insights to inform decision-making and drive innovation in the product lineup.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Utilize data and analytics to refine short- and long-term merchandising strategies.
• Report weekly performance highlights, providing actionable insights.

4. Digital Optimization:

• Monitor and optimize eCommerce platforms based on inventory, web sales, and retail sales.
• Continuously update product presentations based on inventory, product newness, and sales trends.

5. Vendor and Product Management:

• Manage vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing, exclusives, and rebates.
• Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure optimal inventory levels and fulfillment performance.
• Lead efforts to onboard innovative products and ensure their market success.

6. Pricing and Promotion Strategy:

• Develop and test pricing and promotional strategies tailored to each channel.
• Optimize product margins through competitive pricing and promotional planning.

7. Visual Merchandising & Content:

• Ensure flawless execution of visual merchandising and product content strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve site conversions through data-driven optimizations.

8. Inventory and SKU Management:

• Implement exit strategies for underperforming SKUs and develop plans to liquidate excess inventory.
• Monitor product data accuracy and collaborate with operational teams to resolve compliance issues.

9. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with sales teams to develop internal strategies, ensuring effective product promotion.
• Work closely with product development teams to identify and capitalize on new market opportunities.

10. Continuous Improvement:

• Utilize creativity and solution-oriented thinking to drive ongoing improvements.
• Maintain a strong business acumen and prioritize projects based on financial and strategic impact.

Requirements:

• Experience: 2 years in eCommerce, merchandising, category management, or marketing.
• Industry Knowledge: Experience in the education or furniture business with a B2B focus is a plus.
• Private Brand Management: Ability to collaborate with product development teams to develop successful private-label products.
• Catalog Strategy: Expertise in market analysis, consumer behavior, and product positioning.
• eCommerce Expertise: Strong understanding of eCommerce best practices, including branding, customer targeting, and digital merchandising.
• Analytical Skills: Strong data-driven mindset with experience leveraging AI-powered tools for market analysis.
• Collaboration: Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Attention to Detail: Passion for user experience and meticulous attention to detail.
• Pricing and Margins: Experience with pricing strategies and margin optimization.

Why Join Us?

At Excelligence, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity, innovation, and the power of technology to drive change. We’re not just about meeting expectations—we’re about exceeding them.

Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in early childhood education supplies. Your role will directly contribute to enhancing learning experiences while working in a collaborative, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment. If you’re data-savvy, creative, and ready to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity!

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Excelligence Learning Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.