Built - Category Manager

Position Overview The Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies to drive product sales and growth. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams including Design, Sourcing, Sales, and Operations to bring new products to market and support existing product lines. The Category Manager contributes to product development, market analysis, and category performance tracking while helping ensure products are delivered on time and meet business objectives.

The role requires strong organization, analytical thinking, and communication skills, along with a foundational understanding of product development and production processes.

Essential Job Functions

Product Strategy & Portfolio

• Assist in analyzing category performance against key metrics and support reporting to division leadership.
• Research and monitor market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive products within the category.
• Contribute ideas for new product concepts aligned with category strategy and business objectives.
• Support development of product concept briefs and documentation for new product initiatives.
• Assist in building and updating business cases during the product development stage-gate process.
• Analyze product performance data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for improvements or new product launches.

Product Development

• Collaborate with Design and Graphics teams to support product vision and ensure requirements are clearly communicated.
• Participate in product development discussions including concept refinement and testing.
• Assist in preparing product specifications, quotes, and production drawings with internal teams and suppliers.
• Work with sourcing and product development teams to help evaluate vendor options and ensure competitive costing.

Sales Support

• Help develop product information packages and sales materials for new product launches.
• Support Sales and Marketing teams by providing product details, features, and category insights.
• Assist in preparing presentations, product summaries, and supporting documentation for customer meetings.

Delivery & Logistics

• Support coordination of first shipments for new product launches.
• Work with Sales and Planning teams to help establish inventory guidelines for new products.
• Track production timelines and monitor order status from factory allocation through delivery.
• Assist in preparing status updates and reports for cross-functional partners.
• Communicate with overseas factories and internal teams regarding production schedules and deadlines.

Collaboration

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Design, Sourcing, Planning, and Sales to ensure successful product development and launch.
• Contribute to team projects and support senior category leadership in executing category plans.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelors degree required.

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in product management, category management, merchandising, sourcing, or related field.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to understand both detailed information and overall business objectives.

Preferred Experience

• Basic understanding of product development and production timelines.
• Experience working with large retail customers such as Walmart, Costco, or Target is a plus.
• Familiarity with cost analysis and supplier coordination.

Systems Knowledge

• Windows, MS Office, SAP, QlikView, PPM, Robohead, NPD, or similar tools.

About Lifetime Brands Lifetime Brands is a leading global provider of kitchenware, tableware, and other products used in the home. We offer brands you trust, value without compromise, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Our products make it easier for you to prepare food, serve meals, entertain guests, and decorate your home.

We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits which includes:

• All full-time employees and family members are eligible to participate in our Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care.
• Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability.
• Company Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Eligibility in the Companys 401K plan after 90 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off (vacation/sick) - accrual of 15 days per calendar year for non-warehouse positions; accrual of 10 days per calendar year for hourly-based warehouse positions.
• 10 Company Paid Holidays.
• Employee Product Discounts.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Volunteer Opportunities - 4 hours of paid optional volunteer time annually.
• Seattle, WA based employees are provided with commute trip reduction incentives.

Benefits are offered to employees who work 30 hours or more. In addition to the above, we offer voluntary benefits.

Lifetime Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This job posting contains a pay range which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that Lifetime Brands believes in good faith at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job. Lifetime Brands expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances where an external candidate has experience, credentials, or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position would Lifetime Brands consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.