
Job Information
Shaw Industries Inc Assistant Category Manager - Shaw Turf Landscape in Calhoun, Georgia
Job Title
Assistant Category Manager - Shaw Turf Landscape
Position Overview
The role of the Turf Assistant Category Manager is to assist the Director of Brand Strategy in the areas of market / product research/development and data analysis as well as, build/maintain relationships with customers, sales team(s), sourcing group(s) and vendors and oversee promotional activity to drive additional profitable growth.
Nature and Scope of Responsibilities:
The nature and scope of this position is to assist the Director of Brand Strategy in all aspects of their product research and development responsibilities (i.e. product costing, forecasting, specification maintenance and vendor/sourcing communication). Additionally, The Assistant Category Manager will be directly involved with the content for all strategic channels specific to marketing, sampling, sourcing, R&D, and customer service.
Major Responsibilities:
Analyze product assortment to identify potential areas for improvement and needed changes as it relates to the market and competition
Manage IWT initiatives as directed by Director of Brand Strategy
Assist Director of Brand Strategy with landscape PLST and price agreements
Assist Director of Brand Strategy with finished goods and sundries forecast
Provide clear communication and direction to production planning and sourcing
Manage the business responsibilities outlined in soured products procedure
Work with research and development for new product approvals and launches.
Oversee and control “pending status” of products which includes the control and management of products to insure it has been through product approval, molding matches, and stage gate approval before moving to “active status”.
Oversee and manage “aged inventory/ dropped”.
Prepare and distribute an assortment of weekly / monthly / and annual reports analyzing sales territory trends, display and sample performance, and product sales. Work with Business Solutions to automate reports.
Assist in all product selection/development with the goal of offering to all Shaw market groups a product assortment current in styling and competitive in pricing.
Assist in product review presentation to Shaw management, the sales organization, marketing, and customers.
Establish all product specification information; insure its correct entry into the mainframe database; maintain and communicate any corrections or changes to that specification which may occur.
Establish and maintain effective communication with outside vendors in the areas of product, product development, specification, and pricing information.
Facilitate good communication between outside vendors and internal Shaw departments as needed.
Work with Corporate Sourcing, Samples, and Marketing to ensure timely execution of product launches.
Proof sample vehicles for marketing groups for accuracy in specification and sundry information.
Handle inquiries and aid problem solving for sales force
Field questions and provide system/solutions to Customer Service group
Work with Quality Control and Product Development to assure proper testing of new products prior to introduction.
Manage samples inventory; collaborate with Shaw sample plant to ensure sample production meets business needs. Ensure new style are set up to service sample
Participate in Quality Control product acceptance meetings.
Participate in Quality Control inventory audits as needed when product complaints arise.
Communicate with Tech Services and Quality Control to maintain resilient installation instructions and warranty documents.
Travel with local field sales staff or to distributors as needed to understand competitive products, evaluate quality concerns, and to better understand market conditions.
Handle service issues and be able to work with Customer Service, Sourcing, & Distribution to resolve complaints from both customers and field sales staff.
Oversee the creation and launch of promotional activity
Drive training events for field sales staff, customer service, dealers, and installers to include location selection, supplies, and communication
Personal Characteristics:
Professionalism, including a positive attitude and reputation
Honest and dependable
Desire to grow with the company and accept greater responsibilities
Customer service focused
Relationship-builder (team player)
Self-managed and proactive
Detail oriented; comfortable under deadlines (consistently high quality work product)
Exceptional written and oral communication skills and listening skills
Analytical ability to process data and feedback and generate recommendations
Ability to articulate issues and concerns and suggest solutions and alternatives
Willingness to remain flexible and accept special requests or assignments as necessary
Minimum Qualifications:
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Mail.
College degree preferred; five or more years experience in business environment.
Work Shift
8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM
Shaw Industries is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.