Category Manager - Home Decor/Retail/Fashion Industry

Category Manager - Home Decor

As the Category Manager for Home Decor, you will be responsible for leading the strategic development, assortment planning, and execution of our home decor category. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including buying, merchandising, marketing, and operations to drive revenue growth, increase market share, and enhance the overall customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for home decor trends, a keen understanding of consumer preferences, and a proven track record of success in category management within the retail industry.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy for Home Decor that aligns with the company's overall business objectives and targets.

- Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and customer preferences within the home decor segment.

- Collaborate with buying and merchandising teams to curate a diverse and compelling product assortment that meets the needs and desires of our target customers.

- Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, product availability, and margin targets are met.

- Monitor category performance metrics, including sales, margin, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction, and develop action plans to address any performance gaps.

- Work closely with marketing teams to develop and execute promotional campaigns, product launches, and merchandising strategies to drive category sales and customer engagement.

- Analyze sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for product innovation, assortment optimization, and process improvement.

- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, including attending trade shows, conducting vendor meetings, and staying updated on industry trends and developments.

- Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, logistics, and fulfillment teams to ensure seamless execution of inventory management, replenishment, and order fulfillment processes.

- Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes impacting the home decor category, and proactively adapt strategies and tactics accordingly.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field; MBA preferred.

- Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying, with a focus on home decor or related categories.

- Proven track record of driving revenue growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion within a retail environment.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, draw actionable insights, and make data-driven decisions.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.

- Creative thinker with a passion for design and a keen eye for aesthetic trends in home decor.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant business software.

- Experience with retail management systems or ERP software is a plus.