Associate Director, Category Management

We’re seeking highly analytical, passionate, and self-motivated individuals to join our North American Retail and Category Management team. North American Retail is the organization within Wayfair that drives the overall strategy for the multitude of product categories that are offered across our channels of business. The team serves as the external and internal ambassadors of the product categories we manage, mobilizing and coaching suppliers on how to grow their business on our sites, and leveraging internal partners to execute the strategic vision to win in the online home space.

Who We Are

The Category Management team offers a unique opportunity to drive strategy for Wayfair’s largest product categories through tight internal and external partnership. We serve as ambassadors of the product categories we manage. We are at the forefront as Wayfair redefines the supplier experience as a platform, giving suppliers more data, more transparency, and more control while retaining the high-touch elements that make working with Wayfair exceptional. Internally, we leverage a diverse set of cross-functional partners to execute our strategic vision. As an Associate Director on the CM team, you will be expected to define overarching goals and strategy within your category, problem-solve, articulate and execute against tactical plans, and manage key business metrics. Members of the team must be able to expertly negotiate internally and externally, while also being effective project managers.

We’re seeking highly analytical, passionate, entrepreneurial individuals to join a business with incredibly fast growth to help us win in the home goods market.

How is this opportunity unique?

Category Management interact with our suppliers every day. We like candidates with consultative mindsets who want to work with external partners. Our suppliers are important to our business and we want to grow with them collaboratively.

Wayfair is a data-driven environment. Candidates with experience using data to drive decision-making are great matches.

We move fast and take risks. If you have experience at a start-up or in another fast-paced, risk-taking environment, you’d enjoy working at Wayfair. Be prepared to constantly evolve.

Confidence is key. Category Managers have a 360° view into their suppliers and their category. You’ll need to be able to gain buy-in from senior leaders and cross-functional teams to accomplish your goals.

Our business is in high-growth stage and so is our team. Are you an effective people manager? Category Managers are expected to manage others either right away or relatively soon. You’ll have the opportunity to strengthen direct management skills in a Category Manager role.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement category strategy to achieve revenue and profitability goals

• Build profitable relationships with existing suppliers and execute negotiations to secure best pricing, sales programs, and promotional support

• Advance catalog expansion, including the identification of selection gaps, the prioritization of new item production, and the development of relationships with new target suppliers

• Collaborate across departments to drive business goals (departments include Promotions & Email Planning, Marketing & Advertising, Site Merchandising, Inventory Planning, Product Management, Supplier Operations, PR, Customer Service and Business Intelligence)

• Analyze data to strategize profit growth opportunities for the category and for specific supplier partners

• Partner closely with senior leaders to develop and enhance the Wayfair brand, site, and competitive positioning

• Analyze competitors’ marketing, selection and pricing and make strategic changes

• Maintain industry expertise; keep tabs on trends and new product ideas

• Manage 1-5 individuals; train, develop and mentor associates and/or managers

• Guide process improvements across the business

• Use technology to enhance business goals and customer experience

What You'll Need

• 8+ years of relevant experience preferred

• Demonstrated experience building a business or delivering against targets and goals in a fast and rapidly evolving environment

• Senior presence; able to clearly and consistently work side-by-side with a broad range of senior leaders and functions to achieve goals

• Analytical thinking and looks for (and finds) answers in the data

• Persuasive and articulate communication skills with excellent negotiations and relationship-building skills

• Evidence of “scrappy startup execution” and a “get it done” attitude when time is tight and stakes are high

• Innovative problem-solving skills – ability to dissect and resolve root causes of problems, and implement solutions

• A consistent track record of leadership and taking ownership