Category Director - Fashion Jewelry

Gabriel & Co. is a leader in the fine jewelry industry, known for our exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to quality. Our fashion jewelry category, anchored by the iconic Bujukan collection, is one of our fastest-growing segments. To support and accelerate this growth, we are seeking a Category Director - Fashion Jewelry to take full ownership of this category, driving strategic growth through data analysis, trend insights, and product development. 

Position Overview: 

The Category Director - Fashion Jewelry will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the fashion jewelry category, from assortment planning and product development to market execution and sales performance. This individual will use a combination of market insights, data analysis, and trend forecasting to optimize the product assortment and drive category growth. They will work closely with Sales and Marketing to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that maximize the category's potential. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Category Ownership & Growth Strategy 

• Take full ownership of the fashion jewelry category, developing and executing strategies to drive growth and profitability. 
• Identify and implement key growth drivers through data analysis, market research, and customer insights. 
• Work cross-functionally to ensure category goals align with overall company objectives. 

Assortment Planning & Product Development 

• Own the assortment strategy, ensuring that Gabriel & Co. always offers the most compelling and competitive product lineup. 
• Partner with the Product Development team to conceptualize and launch new collections that align with consumer demand and brand identity. 
• Manage the product lifecycle, making informed decisions on launches and discontinuations based on performance data. 

Market & Trend Analysis 

• Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor strategies, and consumer preferences to ensure Gabriel & Co. remains at the forefront of the fashion jewelry space. 
• Conduct regular market visits, competitive analysis, and sales performance reviews to make data-backed decisions. 
• Leverage customer insights and sales data to continuously refine the category strategy. 

Data & Performance Analysis 

• Analyze sales data, inventory reports, and customer insights to guide decision-making and optimize product performance. 
• Provide detailed reporting on fashion jewelry trends, category performance, and competitive insights. 
• Leverage data to drive product lifecycle decisions.  

Collaboration with Sales & Marketing 

• Work closely with Sales and Marketing teams to drive the category strategy into the market effectively. 
• Develop marketing and merchandising strategies to support the successful launch and sell-through of products. 
• Align with Sales on retailer needs, assortment adjustments, and promotional opportunities. 

Retailer & Market Engagement 

• Travel to visit retailers, attend private shows, and conduct market research to understand customer needs and opportunities. 
• Build strong relationships with retailers to gather feedback, assess product performance, and identify growth opportunities. 
• Ensure that in-store and digital merchandising strategies are executed effectively to maximize sell-through. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• 7 years of experience in merchandising, product management, or buying, preferably in the jewelry, fashion, or luxury retail industry. 
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data-driven insights to optimize assortment and drive sales growth. 
• Deep understanding of jewelry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape. 
• Experience leading category growth initiatives and developing go-to-market strategies in partnership with Sales and Marketing teams. 
• Ability to balance both analytical and creative thinking, combining numbers with an eye for design and consumer preferences. 
• Experience working with retailers, sales teams, and designers to develop and execute product strategies. 
• Willingness to travel regularly for market visits, retailer meetings, and trade shows. 
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.