About West Marine We don’t just sell anchors and rigging. We sell a love of the water that lasts for generations. We don’t just sell life jackets and flares. We sell peace of mind for your most precious cargo. We don’t just have a passion for boating. We have a lifetime of experience that we can’t wait to share with you. So when you shop at West Marine, it’s not just for boating gear – it’s for the pure pursuit of more water and less hassle. If you have a passion for being on the water and are looking to join a world-class organization, then West Marine is the place for you! West Marine is recognized as the premier multi-channel retailer of boating and fishing supplies with more than 230 stores located throughout 37 states and Puerto Rico. When you work at West Marine, you’re part of a family; one that values spending quality time on the water, doing the things you love, and sharing that passion with our customers and community. Position Summary: We are seeking an Associate Category Manager in our Fort Lauderdale, FL Support Center. The ideal candidate should...

• be a positive, results-driven product leader that develops the overall strategy for their product categories.

• have significant experience in a multi-store category management or buying environment.

• lead with clarity, focus and compassion.

• use data to determine the optimal assortment, selling price and promotional cadence appropriate to channel and category.

• have a “customer first” mentality and strive to create raving fans through having the right products in the right place at the right time and at the right price.

• be able to develop a clear marketing cadence for key products and will deliver on financial results.

• have the required collaborative and cross-functional capabilities to lead strategies from conception through execution.

• have a considerable track record of building industry-leading vendor partnerships that result in innovative assortments, profitable growth and win-win outcomes for all parties.

• have successful negotiating experience in a fast-pace, growth industry

Primary Responsibilities:

• The Associate Category manager will have complete responsibility for specified portion of product assortments or sub-departments under the oversight of the CM or DMM. Will be required to manage the E2E processes necessary to achieve or exceed sales and profitability objectives for that area

• This position participates in the forecasting and analysis of business results, identifies key industry trends, plans product assortment and negotiates with vendors as it pertains to a particular area of the business

• The Associate Category Manager will assist the CM/DMM with creation, implementation, and execution of product strategies that align with business objectives and financial goals

• This role will support the CM through a variety of tasks, including business analysis, product review, vendor management, and execution of strategy

• Create compelling assortments and ensure they are regionally appropriate, seasonally relevant and marine-focused.

• Work in partnership with the Merchandise Planner and Category Manager to be accountable for achieving category KPIs including, but not limited to, sales, profit and turn.

• Responsible for in-season management of assortment; inclusive of marketing, pricing and product presentation across all selling channels.

• Item set up and sku maintenance

Education, Experience & Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree in business or related field

• 3 plus years-experience in Category Management or Merchandising in a retail buying environment

• Excellent communicator who fosters open communication and listens. Speaks and writes effectively and with professional acumen.

• High emotional intelligence with the ability to adapt quickly to change and act with integrity.

• Analytical with the ability to think strategically and provide vision to the team and vendor community. Will push for innovation both in product and process.

• Understanding and demonstrated execution of merchandising math principles

• Proven negotiator

• Strong presentation skills

• Skilled conflict manager

• Excellent vendor relationship development track record

• PC proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Office 365, Power Point, Excel, Word

• Relex and JDA knowledge a plus.

• Demonstrates adaptability and acts with integrity.

• Analytical and strategic—Ability to think strategically and provide vision to the team and vendor community. Will push for innovation both in product and process.

• Boating knowledge or experience is highly preferred.