Associate Category Manager

Job Description

Company Summary:

Blue Wave Products is a leading manufacturer/importer of home and leisure products. Our diverse customer base includes some of the most prominent retailers in the US and Canada, including Amazon, Walmart.com, Wayfair, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Overstock, and many others. The Company supports over 2,500 SKUs across our four main product categories which include: Pool & Leisure (Above Ground Pools, Pool Liners, Winter and Safety Covers, Cleaners, Pumps and Filters, Floats and Toys and Accessories) Indoor and Outdoor Games (Billiards, Air Hockey, Shuffleboards, Darts, etc.), Infrared Sauna’s (1-4 Person Hemlock and Cedar Wood Saunas) and Patio Furniture (Umbrellas, Hammocks, Patio Sets, Lounge Chairs, etc.) Based in Batavia, IL, the Company operates from a 275,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office facility.

Primary Function:

The Associate Category Manager is market-driven and customer-oriented, responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the assigned product category and line strategies, achievement of the annual targeted sales, and net gross margin objectives. The Associate Category Manager assists in identifying opportunities within the product category through market research and competitor analysis, gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements. The Associate Category Manager assists in the product planning, new product development, sourcing, pricing, promotion, and channel management throughout the product lifecycle, working closely with the product category leader, purchasing, marketing, sales, and the suppliers, to ensure customer satisfaction, sales, and net gross margin goals are achieved.

Responsibilities:

Assists in the development and execution of category strategic planning

Identify key competitor and consumer trends

Assists in managing quality assurance and quality control functions

Manage and communicate with cross functional teams

Help with product development by reviewing customer product star ratings

Work with Customer Service to identify quality issues to pinpoint and reduce returns

Monitor design trends

Assist in developing product packaging solutions

Other miscellaneous duties as requested by executive leadership

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or Product Development related field preferred

Experience in product marketing, merchandising and/or new product development

Ability to develop and execute a product category business plan

Experience in product lifecycles and seasonal trend management preferred

Understands product design and is passionate about creating new innovative products

Strong communication skills

Project management skills

Location:

Based in Batavia, IL requires office attendance 4 days per week, 1 day remote

Benefits:

Medical / Dental / Vision

Company-paid Life Insurance

Discretionary bonus

Profit Sharing 401K

3 Weeks Paid Vacation

10 Paid Holidays