Category Manager - Decorative Hardware

Hafele America - Archdale, NC

Full-time

Archdale, NC

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Category Manager for Decorative Hardware will play a crucial role in driving the development and profitability of current and future products. This position requires effective collaboration with various departments including marketing, sales, customer service, and procurement, ensuring that the company stays ahead of design and application trends. The role involves managing product life cycles, supplier relationships, and market analysis to maintain a competitive edge.

Responsibilities

• Support business plans of exceptional growth for this high potential and frequently evolving segment of business
• Collaborate with customers and sales to stay out in front of design and application trends with innovative solutions
• Be active in association and franchise trade shows and events
• Work closely with business development to support their product and program needs
• Utilize negotiating skills and costing expertise to ensure quality/cost, and deliver maximum bottom-line impact
• Ensure product availability by communicating regularly with procurement planning members regarding lead times and customer specific demands
• Maintain detailed knowledge of inventory levels to assist during product life cycle transitions
• Identify and manage key suppliers for components
• Define and manage project schedules for all phases of new product introduction
• Communicate product change notifications both internally and externally
• Collaborate with the Marketing department to develop content and implement product specs, videos, email blasts, social media posts, website information, installation manuals, and other documentation
• Help the training department with training on new and existing products
• Continually analyze market data from industry sources to measure our competitive position and product success in the market and maintain a database of competitive products

Requirements

• 4-year degree
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook
• Strong analytical, technical and financial skills
• Self-motivated, leader and team player

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to inspire teammates to follow them
• Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Ability to drive new ventures within the business