Category Manager

Job Title:

Retail Category Manager – Hardlines

Location: Maryland

Reports To: Director of Merchandising / VP of Category Management

The Retail Category Manager – Hardlines is responsible for owning and driving the strategic direction, financial performance, and growth of assigned hardline categories. This role blends analytical rigor with strong merchant instincts to develop assortments, pricing strategies, and vendor partnerships that maximize sales, margin, and customer satisfaction across all channels.

Category Strategy & Financial Performance

• Own P&L performance for assigned hardline categories, including sales, margin, inventory turn, and GMROI.
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with company objectives, customer insights, and market trends.
• Lead assortment planning, SKU rationalization, and lifecycle management to optimize productivity.
• Establish pricing, promotion, and markdown strategies to drive profitable growth.

Assortment & Product Development

• Build compelling assortments across opening price points, core, and premium tiers.
• Identify white space opportunities and emerging trends within hardline categories.
• Partner with Product Development and Sourcing teams on private label and exclusive programs.
• Ensure product assortments meet quality, safety, and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships; negotiate cost, terms, allowances, and exclusives.
• Evaluate vendor performance and manage line reviews, RFPs, and assortment resets.
• Collaborate with global sourcing teams to manage lead times, costs, and supply chain efficiency.

• Partner with Planning and Allocation to forecast demand and optimize inventory levels.
• Drive in-stock performance while minimizing excess and aged inventory.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Store Operations, and E-commerce teams to ensure flawless execution.
• Ensure assortments are optimized for both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels.
• Use customer insights, competitive analysis, and sales data to refine category decisions.
• Partner with Marketing on launches, promotions, and seasonal campaigns.
• Act as the category expert and thought leader within the organization.
• Influence cross-functional partners without direct authority.
• Mentor and develop Associate or Assistant Category Managers, where applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in retail merchandising or category management, with a focus on hardline goods (e.g., home, tools, outdoor, hardware, automotive, or general merchandise).
• Proven experience managing category P&L and driving financial results.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and retail analytics tools.
• Experience working with domestic and international vendors.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.

• Experience in omnichannel or e-commerce retail environments.
• Familiarity with retail planning, forecasting, and inventory management systems.
• MBA or advanced degree a plus.
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Customer-centric mindset
• Vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment