Sr. Category Manager
About this role
The Sr. Category Manager of Merchandising for uBreakiFix (UBIF) by Asurion will be responsible for the development and continual evolution of the accessory strategy, P&L management and leadership for both in store and e-commerce channels.
The candidate will bring extensive retail merchandising, assortment planning, and visual merchandising experience. The candidate will be able to navigate across the UBIF and Asurion organizations partnering with the business teams, both corporate and franchise stores as well as Marketing, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, and other key functions as well as external vendors/clients. The candidate should be adept at navigating ambiguity and have experience in development of new categories.
ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS/DUTIES:
Partner with Sr. Director of Merchandising & Revenue Growth as well as leadership in Marketing and Operations to create a best-in-class merchandising strategy to meet the needs of our customers.
Assess internal data and industry data in partnership with accessory distributor partner to inform market sizing of accessories business.
Develop and lead the accessory strategy including product, assortment, inventory forecasting/lifecycle management, merchandising, vendor management and negotiations.
Own all financial aspects of the accessory P&L including revenue, gross margin, and inventory turns in collaboration with the Merchandising Sr. Business Analyst.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (buyers, pricing, marketing, finance, demand planning, operations, etc.) to ensure a consistent process.
Lead e-commerce merchandising strategy including product assortment, P&L management, product listing, promotional calendar and partnering closely with the Marketing E-Comm team.
Partner with franchisees Franchise community to drive adoption and improvements in the accessory business including key meetings such as the annual UBIF Summit and regular Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC) interactions
Consult on new build construction and retrofits to design front of house flow for accessories and other key feature merchandising elements. This includes rollout of the new UBIF Front of House strategy implementation.
Provide inputs into the annual budgeted and planning process for the accessories business.
Build internal and external relationships to work effectively across departments and all levels of management and maintain a proactive dialogue with business unit leadership to anticipate coaching needs.
SKILLS:
Deep knowledge in retail and visual merchandising, buying, assortment planning and lifecycle management.
Ability to lead in a global, matrix environment.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills; demonstrated ability to structure and perform analysis.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other assortment planning, merchandising and planogram applications.
Soft/Leadership skills:
Ability to present complex issues through all avenues to effectively inform decisions and strategies.
Provide ad-hoc facilitation, strategy sessions, & performance planning services to senior executives.
Inductive reasoning including the ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
Capability to respond effectively to clients, employees, and management; ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
High level of skill in both oral and written communication and the ability to effectively present ideas and information to all levels of the organization.
Intellectual curiosity, passion for problem-solving, and comfort with ambiguity.
Superior oral and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to present insights and recommendations persuasively, skill, and confidence at all levels of the organization.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s Degree with relevant experience.
3-5 years’ experience in a buying role, merchandising or category management role with visual merchandising experience desired.
Experience collaborating with colleagues globally- from different locations, teams, and parts of the business.
Demonstrated success in developing and delivering complex information to senior levels of leaders and exhibited the ability to influence.
Experience in aligning projects and programs to key business initiatives.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Travels: Yes
Percent of time: 20%
Overnight required: Yes
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Stationary Position -Frequently
Lift/carry over - 5-10 LBS
Vision - Vision acuity to operate vehicle
Hearing - Receive detailed information if spoken to
WORKING CONDITIONS:
NOTE: THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT DESIGNED TO COVER OR CONTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF ACTIVITIES, DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES THAT ARE REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS, AND ACTIVITIES MY CHANGE OR NEW ONES MAY BE ASSIGNED AT ANY TIME WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE.
ASURION PROVIDES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT OF ANY TYPE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY STATUS, GENETICS, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING RECRUITING, HIRING, PLACEMENT, PROMOTION, TERMINATION, LAYOFF, RECALL, TRANSFER, LEAVES OF ABSENCE, COMPENSATION AND TRAINING.