Merchandise Category Lead, Paints & Finishing, Shop & Trailer Equipment

Summit Racing Equipment

129d

About The Position

The Merchandise Category Lead is responsible for driving sales and profitability within an assigned product category by owning the product assortment strategy, optimizing brand programs and pricing, and supporting internal SKU rationalization standards. This role blends merchandising expertise with category specialization to guide brand performance and category growth. The Category Lead works closely with vendors to evaluate performance, recommend inventory strategies, and identify new brand opportunities that align with business goals. In partnership with cross-functional teams—including TDM and Marketing—the Category Lead ensures accurate, compelling product presentation across digital and print channels. Strong vendor relationships and data-driven decision making are key to delivering strategies that enhance the customer experience and elevate overall category performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience in merchandising or product management may be considered.
• Strong proficiency in internal merchandising platforms (e.g., Active Oscar, Product Management, JIRA).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in vendor management and negotiation.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Microstrategy.
• Experience in catalog and ADV processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the product assortment and SKU mix within assigned brands, focusing on category performance, profitability, and customer experience.
• Maintain awareness of product data on the part detail page, including attributes, digital assets, pricing position, and other critical information.
• Monitor key inputs such as sales trends, vendor feedback, return rates, product availability, and competitive activity to guide decisions around SKU rationalization and brand optimization.
• Support margin strategy by collaborating with Pricing and analyzing brand-level performance and competitor activity.
• Drive return on invested capital (ROIC) in the assigned category, evaluating the ROI of adding new SKUs and onboarding new vendors.
• Lead the evaluation of new brands based on industry trends, profitability goals, and category assortment fit.
• Communicate and collaborate with the Vendor Onboarding team to negotiate pricing and vendor programs.
• Determine initial stocking levels for new SKUs and brands using trend analysis and vendor input.
• Collaborate with vendors to review sales performance and identify opportunities for inventory expansion.
• Prepare sales information for vendor meetings that lead to actionable plans for improving sales, service, and quality.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of product content presented to customers.
• Participate in catalog and ADV processes by providing product picks for printed and digital marketing collateral.
• Utilize and analyze department category reports and communicate on YOY category and line-level performance.
• Manage internal workflows in JIRA across Merchandising and cross-departmental projects.

Benefits

• Paid Weekly
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx Insurance
• Profit Sharing
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Health Club Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Voluntary Optional Insurance Policies Available
• Life Insurance Policy--Company Paid
• Short Term Disability--Company Paid
• Paid Time Off, PTO
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Holidays
• Jury Duty Pay
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees