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Associate Category Manager

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We’re seeking a highly analytical, passionate, self-motivated individual to join our Category Management team. This Category Associate will be dedicated to delivering a superb customer experience by making excellent assortment decisions informed by our wealth of browsing and purchasing data. You will be responsible for growing sales while improving profitability, as well as identifying new business opportunities, developing internal and external relationships, and negotiating with key suppliers. Other areas of focus could include expanding the assortment and developing a competitive strategy for the market. You will work closely with a Senior Category Manager to set and execute the strategy for a product category, develop supplier relationships, drive process improvement, and negotiate pricing and inventory. We welcome applications from high caliber professionals for whom style, home fashion and decor represent a meaningful arena to use the skills they developed in generalist business settings.

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. In a role on the Category Management 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.

How is this opportunity unique?

The Category Management team interacts with our suppliers every day. We like candidates with consultative mindsets who want to work with external partners. Collaborative partnerships are a hallmark of a relationship with Wayfair.

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.

We like to have fun. Our team takes time each month to celebrate our wins and toast our accomplishments. We foster an environment that values balance, and we encourage personal development by offering a broad spectrum of opportunities for continuous development and mentorship.

What You’ll Do

Develop and enhance strategic category plans to achieve revenue and profitability goals
Analyze event and category performance to gain actionable insights and pivot business accordingly
Conduct competitive and product category analysis to evaluate market trends
Drive relationships and collaboration with cross-functional teams to identify and fill assortment opportunities
Negotiate for favorable terms with suppliers (selection, price and quantity)
Establish relationships with brands, partnering effectively to achieve mutual business goals
Conduct competitive and product category analysis to identify new designers and brands to increase and expand selection across product categories
Collaborate with many cross-functional partners (Pricing, Promotions, Operations, Merchandising and many more!)

What You’ll Need

4+ years of experience within an e-commerce or corporate retail organization, preferred
A strong interest in building a career in buying, merchandising and/or supplier relationship management
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
A personable and energetic communicator, eager to build relationships with new business partners
Ability to communicate and feel comfortable speaking directly with C-suite level suppliers from large companies
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects at once (you don’t miss the details)
An interest in, and/or ability to learn retail math concepts
Analytical thinker who looks for (and finds) answers in the data
Ability to “hit the ground running” – a self-starter capable of achieving specific target goals
An entrepreneurial spirit and mindset
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Google Suite, preferred
Passion for driving growth with an ability to think outside of existing limitations
Demonstrated potential to work as part of a cross-functional team
Desire to build business plans and provide strategic initiative

Wayfair's In-Office Policy: All Boston-based interns, co-ops, and corporate employees will be in office in a hybrid capacity. Employees will work in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and work remotely Friday.

Massachusetts Applicants: I understand that it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

For state-specific application information, please review the following applicant notices.

About Wayfair Inc.

Wayfair is one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home. Whether you work in our global headquarters in Boston, or in our warehouses or offices throughout the world, we’re reinventing the way people shop for their homes. Through our commitment to industry-leading technology and creative problem-solving, we are confident that Wayfair will be home to the most rewarding work of your career. If you’re looking for rapid growth, constant learning, and dynamic challenges, then you’ll find that amazing career opportunities are knocking.

No matter who you are, Wayfair is a place you can call home. We’re a community of innovators, risk-takers, and trailblazers who celebrate our differences, and know that our unique perspectives make us stronger, smarter, and well-positioned for success. We value and rely on the collective voices of our employees, customers, community, and suppliers to help guide us as we build a better Wayfair – and world – for all. Every voice, every perspective matters. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice (https://www.wayfair.com/careers/privacy). If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights under applicable privacy and data protection laws, please contact us at dataprotectionofficer@wayfair.com.

Wayfair Glassdoor Company Review

2.9

Wayfair DE&I Review

3.4

CEO of Wayfair

Niraj Shah

Approve of CEO

Average salary estimate

$75000 / YEARLY (est.)

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$60000K

$90000K

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What You Should Know About Associate Category Manager, Wayfair

Join Wayfair as an Associate Category Manager in Boston, MA, where you'll be a vital part of our dynamic Category Management team. This role is truly exciting for those who relish digging into data and revel in the world of style, home fashion, and decor. As an Associate Category Manager, your mission is to enhance customer experience by making informed assortment decisions that catapult sales and profitability. You'll team up closely with a Senior Category Manager to define and execute strategic goals, cultivate relationships with suppliers, and analyze market trends to spot new opportunities. Collaboration and negotiation skills are at the heart of this position, as you'll interact daily with our suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and foster strong partnerships. We're looking for analytical thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments and have a passion for retail metrics. Expect to conduct insightful analyses of category performance and market trends while working hand-in-hand with cross-functional teams. If you enjoy a culture that prizes innovation and celebrates achievements, you'll find Wayfair’s close-knit, supportive atmosphere both inspiring and rewarding. Additionally, we take the time to acknowledge our wins each month, creating an environment that values balance and personal growth. Whether you're a self-starter keen to take initiative or someone who loves being part of a collaborative team, this role offers you the chance to drive meaningful strategies and witness the impact of your efforts in reshaping home shopping experiences. We can’t wait for you to be part of our journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Associate Category Manager Role at Wayfair

What are the responsibilities of an Associate Category Manager at Wayfair?

The Associate Category Manager at Wayfair is responsible for developing strategic category plans to meet revenue and profitability goals, analyzing market trends and category performance, and driving relationships with suppliers. This role involves negotiating favorable agreements with partners and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify assortment opportunities. You’ll play a crucial part in enhancing customer experience through data-driven decision-making, making your impact felt across our operations.