Category Manager, Bike

Summary Description:

The Bike Category Manager is the expert responsible for establishing the strategic direction for the Global Bike product collections, interfacing with global sales management & supporting the product design and development efforts with the design/product group. The Bike Category Manager is the champion of the category who leads the process with a multi-functional team to develop and execute product initiatives to deliver our sales objectives.

With the understanding of the global bike helmet & goggle market and specific user experience requirements, they drive development of the product lines to deliver innovative product on time, while growing market share and category profitability. The Bike Category Manager collaborates with the Bike Marketing Manager on seasonal initiatives, campaign strategy & content creation. This role directs & supports Product Line Managers in driving the overall product development process, seasonal calendar direction & progress tracking.

Essential Job Duties:

• Develop helmet and goggle product line strategies to achieve sales & margin objectives for the Bike category based on a deep understanding of consumer and market needs & trends.
• Develop & maintain short/long term product line & development plan & coordinate with sales, marketing, design, R&D, operations & management. Lead the end-to-end process from commercial briefing to design briefing to executing product initiatives with a multi-functional team.
• Support the development of Bike product merchandising, packaging, & communication.
• Support sales management in forecasting sales & manufacturing planning.
• Interface with International Sales Manager & distributors in development of product line strategies
• Collaborate with Creative teams to develop model by model color line specifications that achieve sales objectives for the global Bike markets
• Coordinate development projects with operations & manufacturing to meet established date, production specification, and costing targets
• Coordinate with Creative teams plus Eyewear and Snow Category Managers to help maintain unified color, material, and finish direction for Bike product lines
• Research consumer buying trends & retail selling techniques to support marketing & sales efforts
• Support the Creative and Trade Marketing groups on content development product needs
• Maintain competitive product and market analysis
• Attend international & domestic trade shows
• Performs other duties as needed & directed by the Category Director

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Product line management and/or Category Management experience in the bike industry preferred
• A very strong understanding & working knowledge of fashion, design, color trending, & graphic development
• Very detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects & timelines
• Ability to coordinate & manage internal & external resources
• Ability to manage processes & support a team atmosphere
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Illustrator helpful
• Strong interest in winter and summer outdoor sports required
• Willingness to travel globally

Education & Experience:

• Undergraduate or Graduate Degree
• 3-5 years product development and/or marketing background in a similar industry

***This is a hybrid role in Portland, OR; onsite 3-days/week***