Associate Category Manager Jobs

Support Center - Irving
For nearly 50 years, Michaels has been the destination where Makers get inspired, learn, shop, and create. We strive to cultivate an inclusive shopping environment for all Makers and work environment for all Team Members, providing a place of belonging and empowering everyone to bring their creative dreams to life. At Michaels, every Team Member is encouraged to hone their craft with opportunities for personal and professional growth. From our Stores and Distribution Centers to Artistree and our Support Center, our best-in-class team is passionate about leaving the world a better, more creative place by contributing to every “make”.
Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all Makers to create, innovate and be better together.
Under the direction of a Category Director/Manager, the Associate Category Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day functions of executing the merchandising strategy.
This Team Member works closely with Category Administrative Assistant to ensure all merchandising activities are properly executed. Additional responsibilities may include analyzing sales results and recommending future strategies, reviewing planogram productivity, producing productive planograms, recommending new products, and products for discontinuation, and negotiating markdown money, returns, etc. with vendors.
Merchandise Category Management

• Recommend items to discontinue (based on SKU analysis, sales analysis, partnership with the planning department, etc.).
• Negotiate optimum packaging shipping.
• Conduct market research to help support the business plan behind Planogram (read trade magazines, attend trade shows, shop competitors in category).
• Own and update assortment plans. Update product information into the plan, as needed.
• Competitive shop. Know the competition.
• Work in collaboration with Category Administrative Assistant.
• Coordinate multi-buyer initiatives.
• Potential buying responsibility for a specific sub-category.
• Recommend pricing based on the competitive environment.
• With guidance from the Category Director/Manager, assist with negotiations of markdown money, returns, etc. with vendors.
• Calculate markup and calculate margin for new SKUs.
• Issue and proof final POs for accuracy.
• Cultivate the relationship with vendors to ensure good communication.
• Conduct independent analysis and determine the best course of action on sales opportunities.
• Meet with vendors to discuss the new product.
• Review product shipping configuration for fit, sales, and efficiencies.

Planogram (POG)

• Communicate the POG process to Vendors.
• Own Planogram processes, both Seasonal and SBA, and is the liaison with cross functional teams.
• Review current POG results (sales, margin, turn, etc.).
• Proof the drawn POG and monitor the POG timeline.
• Set POG for Category Director/Manager approval.
• Partner with Visual Coordinator to complete set to visual standards.

Advertising

• Own Ad Process to oversee turn in the process, proof ads, and signage.

analysis of the Business, enter and maintain ad detailed information, Ad Order
Guide proof, and completion.

• Prepare monthly paginations by reviewing sales history, last year’s Ad results, and the Ad matrix.
• Monitor Ad compliance and advise management of any issues/solutions.

Inventory Management

• Recommend markdown pricing actions for seasonal programs.
• Partner with Category Director/Manager and Replenishment Planner on inventory levels.
• Determine forecasts for new replenishment items.
• Calculate purchases to support seasonal buys.

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Education

• Four-year college degree.

Minimum Special Certifications Or Technical Skills

• MS Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of retail math (i.e. calculating margin)
• Working knowledge of the total buying process

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Minimum Type of experience the job requires
Preferred Type Of Experience The Job Requires

• 2-3 years of experience in a retail corporate environment
• Retail store operations experience a big plus

Physical Requirements
Work Environment

• Frequent physical movement including standing, stooping, bending, use of a ladder at times, and lifting
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.
To review a comprehensive list of benefits, please visit Michaels Benefits
CA, CO, CT, WA, RI and select New York cities only - To review pay ranges for the position you are applying for, please visit Michaels Pay Ranges - CA, CO, CT, WA, RI, and select New York cities only.
Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).
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