Build Your Career with Ashley
Work with the latest trends in home furnishings on a global stage. It’s an exciting time to join our Merchandising team, whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take your skills to the next level.
Category Manager, Merchandising: Tampa, FL (on-site)
What Will You Do?
The Category Manger is responsible for developing business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the Company’s retail brand, sales and profits for an assigned area or department. This position identifies opportunities and recommends new products for the assigned category of business. This position also manages information across functional teams working closely with product development, sourcing, marketing, visual, pricing, and planning.
- Through close collaboration with a variety of teams, the Category Manager will communicate and execute both the long-term and seasonal merchandising strategies. This position also manages information across cross functional teams to ensure internal processes are followed and seasonal timelines are met.
- Ability to adapt to a fast paced, evolving retail environment with a positive attitude.
- Be an “expert” on assigned categories with the ability to optimize the assortment by adding new products and/or categories and by removing poor performers.
- Develop seasonal product mix by channel, prepare category assortment overview by pricing level, subcategory mix and SKU counts. Maintain current assortment by leading regular category sales reviews, margin analysis, retail pricing structure reviews, and product turn strategy.
- Work with product development and sourcing counterparts to develop products each season that are trend right, meets financial goals and customer demands.
- Assist in the preparation for markets and the set-up and presentation of the showroom.
- Perform market analysis and competitive shop; analyze sales trends to keep abreast of current trends. Obtain feedback from stores to improve product and add to collections.
- Collaborate with planning and pricing teams to recommend adjustments to maximize sales. Examples include recommendations for mark downs and price adjustments.
- Strong retail math and knowledge of retail reporting. Ability to present key insights with relevant and actionable product strategies.
- Drive category sales and profitability through the development and execution of promotional plans across multiple channels.
- Recommend and collaborate with the visual team to plan floor layouts.
- Visit stores and contact field management to gather information on customer feedback and product issues. Responsible for executing product training videos for store associates for merchandising and new product strategies.
- Team player that has stellar communication skills and displays respect and accountability cross functionally.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize projects in a dynamic work environment.
- Committed to continual improvement and suggesting ways to improve.
- Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.
What Do You Need?
- 5 years’ experience in traditional retail buying and/or site merchandising for a major department store, specialty retailer or ecommerce operation, Required
- Bachelor Degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, Retailing or related field, or equivalent work experience, Required
- Supervisory/Management experience
- Applies knowledge of trends and user behaviors to understanding of internet as a commerce channel
- Strong technical skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Strong knowledge in merchandising, pricing and assortment planning
- Strong proficiency in retail math, open-to-buy and system analysis
- Strong project management skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Provide effective leadership, promote teamwork and demonstrate the ability to lead people to get results
- Maintain a positive and professional attitude that motivates others and promotes enthusiasm
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Work independently as well as in a team environment
- Document management system
- Maintain confidentiality
- Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement principles
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
- Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
- Strong skills in agility, along with the ability to pivot easily when directions and priorities changes on short notice
- Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
- Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
- Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
- Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries
Who Are We?
At Ashley, we’re more than a business…we’re family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry.
Ready to grow? You’ve come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a “Growth Mindset”, and once you join our team, you’ll learn from the best in the business.
Apply today and find your home at Ashley!
Benefits We Offer
- Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
- Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
- Telehealth
- 401(k) and Profit Sharing
- Life Insurance
Our Core Values
- Honesty & Integrity
- Passion, Drive, Discipline
- Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence
- Dirty Fingernail
- Growth Focused
To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page:
Corporate Social Responsibility
https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility/report/
We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully:
Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity unless an agreement is in place. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Ashley Furniture via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Ashley Furniture. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Ashley Furniture as a result of the referral or through other means.
