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Category Manager - Specialty Sports

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adidas

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Marketing
    Product
  • Portland

AI generated summary

  • You should have a passion for specialty sports, retail management experience, strong analytical skills, team collaboration, and merchandising knowledge, with a focus on tennis and volleyball.
  • You will execute merchandising strategies, analyze sales performance, collaborate with global teams, present ranges, and optimize pricing to achieve KPIs and drive growth in specialty sports.

Requirements

  • * Person with passion for Specialist Sports, ideally with professional background
  • * Advanced knowledge of Retail Management Systems
  • * Strong analytical skills
  • * Structured, organized and process orientated
  • * Attention to detail as error in analysis will have crucial impact to business
  • * Ability to work effectively within a team environment and under pressure
  • * High influencing skills and ability to make fact-based decisions
  • * Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office
  • * Fluent in English
  • * Ability to travel domestic and internationally
  • * Strong Knowledge of Specialty Sports, with focus on Tennis and Volleyball
  • * University degree in business, ideally with marketing and sales focus or equivalent professional experience
  • * Merchandising/ cross-functional marketing and/or sales experience experience: 3 years
  • * Previous merchandising experience in the sporting goods industry preferred

Responsibilities

  • Supports the Senior Manager Merchandising in executing the NAM short and medium-term objectives for the respective category, specifically responsible for delivering across all KPIs.
  • Implement global strategies in a locally relevant way for NAM, considering different consumer needs and distribution channels.
  • Supports in influencing the development of global strategies through providing clear and relevant commercial input in terms of consumer needs, market particularities, and channel needs.
  • Collaborate regularly with global counter parts to identify business opportunities in the market and to maximize net sales and profitability (within global and NAM strategic parameters).
  • Responsible for all aspects of merchandising the range including segmentation to meet all KPIs incl. efficiency, productivity, overlap, top line, margin.
  • Present ranges for specialist sport categories internally and externally (to key retailers).
  • Ensure that all deliverables are fully executed and handed over at go to market milestones.
  • Provide regular analysis of sell-through performance BU and contribute to strategic planning based on that analysis.
  • Provide regular updates on status, progress, results, key learnings to NAM leadership and global BUs.
  • Assist in the strategic assortment plans for relevant strategic channel/account including DTC and key accounts.
  • Present the category go to market strategies, range plans and consumer insights to internal teams and key strategic retailers to land range with impact.
  • Accountable, in particular, for pricing of the range, including a plan to harmonize pricing across NAM, to meet the KPI’s.
  • Continually monitor and analyse product range and sales results to determine products that maximize profitability/productivity.
  • Develop and collaborate on marketing and product strategies to deliver sales growth.
  • Potential to lead direct report, ensuring successful motivation, training and development for category and career growth.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Category Manager - Specialty Sports?

The primary responsibility is to support the Senior Manager Merchandising in executing short and medium-term objectives for the category, specifically by delivering across all KPIs and implementing global strategies relevant to the NAM market.

Which sports categories will the Category Manager oversee?

The Category Manager will specifically oversee the specialty sports categories of Tennis and Volleyball.

What kind of experience is required for this role?

A minimum of 3 years of merchandising, cross-functional marketing, and/or sales experience is required, preferably in the sporting goods industry.

Is there any direct reporting responsibility for this position?

No, this position does not have any personnel management responsibilities; it does not manage any direct reports.

What types of relationships will the Category Manager need to build?

The Category Manager will need to build relationships with various internal teams including Global BU, Market Place Management, Sales, Operations, Business Development, Demand Planning, and BU Brand Communication.

What skills are essential for success in this role?

Essential skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, knowledge of Retail Management Systems, the ability to make fact-based decisions, and advanced skills in MS Office, particularly Excel.

Will the Category Manager be required to travel?

Yes, the Category Manager should be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

What is the educational background preferred for this position?

A university degree in business, ideally with a focus on marketing and sales, or equivalent professional experience is preferred.

Is a passion for specialty sports important for this role?

Yes, having a passion for specialty sports, particularly Tennis and Volleyball, is important for effectively understanding the market and consumer needs.

How does adidas approach diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace?

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness, encourages individual expression, and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination towards applicants or employees, functioning as an equal opportunity employer.

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Fashion & Arts
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1949
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

adidas is a multinational sportswear company that designs, manufactures, and sells a wide range of athletic and lifestyle products, including footwear, apparel, and accessories. As one of the leading sportswear brands in the world, their products cater to various sports and activities, aiming to provide athletes and consumers with high-quality and innovative gear to enhance their performance and lifestyle. Their ultimate mission is to be the best sports brand in the world, with a focus on creating products that combine cutting-edge technology and design to meet the evolving needs of athletes and consumers. Their purpose is to inspire and enable people to harness the power of sports in their lives, fostering a culture of creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through collaborations with athletes, teams, and influencers, as well as initiatives for social and environmental responsibility, adidas strives to make a positive impact on communities and contribute to a healthier and more active world.

Benefits

  • Bonus program – based on short term incentives

  • Long-Term Incentive (LTI) plan for senior management and Executive Board members

  • Adidas Stock Purchase Plan