Category Marketing Manager

Power Equipment Direct, Inc. is an on-line retailer based in Bolingbrook, IL that continues to grow at nearly 30% per year for the last 3 years. The Internet Retailer Top 500 web store operator currently conducts business from 9 store fronts, all specializing in various forms of outdoor power equipment and is one of the fastest growing companies in the US according to Inc. Magazine’s annual TOP 5000 listing.   

As a result of our continued growth, we are seeking qualified individuals for a newly created Category Marketing Manager to join our team in Bolingbrook, IL.  In this position, the right candidate will drive strategic initiatives to grow the existing Mowers Direct and Snow Blowers Direct internet store fronts which are two of our newest businesses.  You will act as the general manager/store owner responsible for the profitability of your store through increasing web traffic, converting viewers to buyers, maintaining and growing relationships with vendors, building programs with vendors, pricing of products, creating promotion programs, brand building initiatives and all else that is involved in the P&L of your store.  As an on-line retailer we desire somebody that understands marketing and how important presence, brand building and image are for continued success and growth.  The candidate of choice may now be with a manufacturer, retailer or on-line retailer of consumer goods.

• Increase and maximize web traffic on-line and off-line through search engine marketing and all other marketing efforts that creatively promote your store.

• Management of the website to maximize the conversion rate of website visitors to buyers.

• Determining and updating pricing to maximize sales and profitability.

• Source new vendors (Manufacturers of lawn mowers and snow blowers) and negotiate vendor partnerships while working to improve profitability and lead times of current vendors.

• Work closely with the new site development team in related categories.

• Create inventory plan to ensure timely flow of goods.

• Analyze current business trends and execute decisions based on the outcome of that analysis.

• Forecast future sales and inventory needs and establish a buying plan to attain sales and margin goals.

• Establish and maintain vendor partnerships while executing negotiation strategies relative to product costs, pricing, terms and shipping / return issues while maximizing margin opportunities.

• Provide direction to the creative team for imaging and copywriting to ensure product presentation achieves desired results.

• Set & maintain retail pricing strategies & SKU rationale exercises for responsible categories

• Bachelors degree

• A marketing minded person with ability and desire to analyze the current business and make recommendations to grow successful on-line stores

• 3 plus years minimum experience as a buyer, product manager, brand manager, marketing manager, channel manager or like roles.

• Multi-chain, catalog, or ecommerce/on-line environment experience is preferred

• Excellent analytical, planning, pricing and risk assessment skills

• Strong negotiation skills

• A problem solver that addresses problems before they occur

• Strong trend sense

• Excellent oral and written communication skills sufficient to communicate at all levels within the company

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and maintain deadlines

• Strategic and conceptual thinking ability

• Outdoor power equipment experience

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Profit Sharing & incentive bonuses

• Benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, 401 (k), vacation and holidays.