Category Manager, Hardlines

ABOUT THE ROLE: Are you a passionate merchant with an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for finding the next great product? As a Category Manager, Hardlines you’ll play a key role in shaping the product experience across our stores. You’ll plan, develop, source, and manage a compelling assortment that delights customers and drives results — from concept to checkout. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, loves to negotiate, and takes pride in turning ideas into successful assortments.WHAT YOU’LL DO:• Build Winning Strategies: Develop and execute merchandising and financial plans for Hardlines categories that align with Red Apple’s overall business goals.• Drive Results: Partner with the Planner to prepare accurate sales, margin, and open-to-buy forecasts that support profitable growth.• Know Your Customer: Stay ahead of trends and customer needs by continuously refining product assortments and identifying new opportunities.• Source & Negotiate: Manage vendor relationships, negotiate costs, select products, and oversee pricing and ordering for all programs (core, seasonal, and opportunistic buys).• Collaborate & Communicate: Work closely with allocation, logistics, marketing, and store teams to ensure flawless execution of assortments and promotions.• Lead Promotions: Plan and coordinate promotional strategies for seasonal, monthly, and weekly campaigns.• Stay Connected: Conduct market research and visit stores and competitors to stay informed about trends, opportunities, and challenges.• Innovate: Lead and contribute to special projects that enhance our merchandising approach and customer experience.RELATIONSHIPS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:• Internal: All areas of the business (Home Office Team and Stores)• External: VendorsWHO YOU ARE:• Retail enthusiast with 3–4 years of experience in hardlines categories.• Creative, entrepreneurial thinker with a strong understanding of product, pricing, promotions, and placement.• Confident negotiator and communicator who builds strong vendor partnerships and drives win-win outcomes.• Analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to forecast, plan, and prioritize effectively.• Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and experienced with merchandising systems.• Self-starter who thrives both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.• Holds a degree or diploma in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.