Associate Category Manager – Heating

Role Overview

The Associate Category Manager (ACM) plays a critical role in supporting the Category Manager in the execution of category strategy, planning, and operations. This role partners closely with category leadership to ensure that forecasts, programs, portfolio initiatives, packaging updates, and reporting processes are delivered accurately, on time, and in a leadership-ready format.

The ACM works cross-functionally with Sales, Sales Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, Marketing, and external partners to translate category decisions into executable actions. This role is responsible for coordinating inputs, managing timelines, maintaining system accuracy, and ensuring strong follow-through across teams.

This is a highly hands-on execution role requiring advanced Excel proficiency, strong project management discipline, and comfort leveraging AI and automation tools to improve efficiency. Success in this position depends on clear communication, organizational discipline, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, seasonal business.

Core Responsibilities

Program Administration & Operational Execution

• Maintain pricing files, matrices, and program documentation.
• Track program mechanics (preseason programs, rebates, incentives).
• Coordinate pricing updates with Sales Operations.
• Ensure alignment between pricing files, ERP data, and customer communication.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Execute detailed administrative work required to support category programs.

Portfolio, Item Setup & System Administration

• Own day-to-day item setup and maintenance across systems.
• Create, update, and maintain SKU and item master data (GTINs, specs, pack sizes, attributes).
• Partner closely with Manufacturing Accountants to:
  • Ensure accurate BOM setup
  • Validate cost components
  • Resolve item-level data discrepancies
• Coordinate SKU launches, transitions, and rationalization efforts.
• Conduct system audits to ensure data integrity.
• Support projects related to excess and obsolete inventory.
• Prepare documentation required for operational readiness.

Packaging & Artwork Coordination

• Organize and coordinate all packaging artwork updates and revisions.
• Manage timelines for new packaging, claim updates, regulatory changes, and brand refreshes.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations, and external design partners to ensure artwork accuracy.
• Ensure packaging specifications align with BOMs, item setup, and operational requirements.
• Track version control and approval workflows.
• Maintain centralized records of artwork files and packaging documentation.
• Support execution of packaging rollouts and transitions.

Vendor Portal & Administrative Management

• Maintain and administer customer and vendor portals, including:
  • Managing logins and access
  • Uploading item data and documentation
  • Maintaining compliance materials
• Ensure portal data remains accurate and up to date.
• Troubleshoot access issues and coordinate with external partners.
• Track submission deadlines and required updates.
• Maintain organized records of portal credentials and requirements.

Project Management & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Track action items and milestones from category and cross-functional meetings.
• Maintain project timelines and status reporting.
• Coordinate execution between Sales, Sales Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, and Marketing.
• Ensure category initiatives move efficiently from decision to execution.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with stakeholders to resolve issues and prevent delays.

Process & Automation Improvement

• Standardize templates, reporting structures, and documentation practices.
• Leverage AI tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, automation tools) to streamline recurring work.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency.
• Maintain category SOPs and shared knowledge resources.

Category Reporting & Data Stewardship

• Maintain recurring category reports and templates.
• Refresh reporting packages with updated data.
• Validate inputs and resolve routine discrepancies.
• Ensure consistency and organization across reporting files.
• Prepare leadership-ready tables, charts, and summary materials.
• Maintain structured archives and version control.

Forecasting & Planning Process Support

• Project-manage monthly, quarterly, and seasonal forecasting cycles.
• Maintain forecasting calendars and deliverables.
• Coordinate data inputs across Sales, Operations, and Finance.
• Compile, format, and version-control forecast files.
• Prepare charts, visuals, and presentation materials to support leadership reviews.
• Track revisions, approvals, and final submissions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 2–5 years in Sales Operations, Commercial Operations, Category Support, Business Operations, Supply Chain or similar roles.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Mathematics, Operations, etc.
• Advanced Excel proficiency required (complex formulas, pivot tables, scenario modeling)
• Experience managing detailed administrative and system-based work.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a matrixed organization.
• Experience in seasonal or operationally complex environments preferred.
• Experience with BI tools (Tableau, Power BI) a plus but not required.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Execution-focused with strong follow-through
• Advanced Excel user
• AI-forward and automation-oriented
• Able to manage competing deadlines in a seasonal environment
• Professional, reliable, and accountable

Success Measures

• Item setup, BOM data, and packaging specifications are accurate and aligned
• Artwork updates are coordinated and executed without delays
• Vendor portals are maintained without escalations
• Programs and pricing documentation are clean and controlled
• Reports are consistent and leadership-ready
• Forecast cycles run smoothly and on schedule
• Cross-functional initiatives move efficiently from decision to execution
• Category leadership capacity is preserved for strategic focus

Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 with bonus opportunities

Remote

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