SUMMARY

The Category Merchandiser is responsible for driving sales and profitability within an assigned product category. This is accomplished by owning the product assortment strategy, optimizing brand programs and pricing, and supporting internal SKU rationalization standards. This role blends merchandising expertise with category specialization to guide brand performance and category growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (includes other duties as assigned):

• Responsible for managing the product assortment and SKU mix within assigned brands, with a focus on category performance, profitability, and customer experience. Maintains a strong awareness of product data on the part detail page—including attributes, digital assets, pricing position and other critical information—and communicates with internal teams and vendors to address any gaps or inaccuracies. Monitors key inputs such as sales trends, vendor feedback, return rates, product availability, and competitive activity to guide decisions around SKU rationalization and brand optimization, and to support strategic growth initiatives. Supports margin strategy by collaborating with Pricing and analyzing brand-level performance and competitor activity.
• Accountable for driving return on invested capital (ROIC) in their assigned category, including both financial and human capital. This includes evaluating the ROI of adding new SKUs, onboarding new vendors, and recommending stocking strategies.
• Leads the evaluation of new brands based on industry trends, new manufacturers, employee suggestions, profitability goals, and category assortment fit.
• Determines initial stocking levels for new SKUs and brands, using trend analysis, vendor input, and category insights to ensure the right products are available for customers. Recommends the most effective fulfillment method—stocking or drop ship—based on vendor capabilities and internal requirements.
• Prepares sales information for vendor meetings that lead to actionable plans for improving sales, service, and quality in support of category goals.
• Ensures the accuracy and completeness of product content presented to customers.
• Supports special projects tied to category initiatives, such as vehicle builds or event-related needs.
• Utilizes and analyzes department category reports and regularly communicates to the supervisor and department manager on YOY category and line-level performance, progress on rationalization efforts, and status updates from weekly audits (e.g., SKUs hidden from web).

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Uses tools such as Microstrategy, main business system, and vendor portals to evaluate sales trends, margin data and stock status across assigned brands.
• Reviews all new brand recommendations submitted through JIRA and initiates onboarding requests by launching JIRA tickets to the Vendor Onboarding team when pursuing a new brand.
• Collaborates with the pricing team to support competitive strategies that balance margin and growth. Actively monitors brand-level performance, spider data, margin trends, and competitor activity to identify pricing gaps or strategic opportunities. Manages JIRA tickets related to cost file analysis, reviewing potential new SKU submissions for fit and completeness.
• Participates in catalog and ADV processes by submitting product selections through structured and shared files, including print catalog updates, and product picks for advertisements.
• Demonstrates strong proficiency in internal merchandising platforms (e.g., Active Oscar, Product Management, JIRA), and mentors newer team members on standard workflows and best practices.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience in merchandising, or product management may be considered.

*This role requires in-office presence on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the option to work remotely the remaining three weekdays, subject to change based on business needs. Occasional in-office attendance on other weekdays may be necessary to accommodate in-person vendor meetings based on vendor and representative availability.  Initial training for this position requires 100% onsite attendance for the first week.

The Team Member Experience:
We work together to take care of our customers, our communities, and each other. When you join the team, you’ll enjoy a positive, productive atmosphere where people truly believe in what they are doing. If you’re passionate about providing the best experience possible to our customers and to your fellow team members, you’re in the right place.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance interacting with our career site, please contact us by calling (330) 630-5570 option 2 for Human Resources.

Summit Racing Equipment and its entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.