Support category manager in product assortment, supplier relations, inventory forecasting, market analysis, and product launches. Assist with reporting, cross-functional coordination, and administrative tasks to drive category performance in the hospitality tableware segment.
Job Summary & Responsibilities
About Mikasa Hospitality:
Mikasa Hospitality is a premier brand in the hospitality industry, providing top-tier tableware and buffetware to hotels, restaurants, and event venues in North America. Our commitment to quality, design, and sustainability is reflected in every product we offer. As we continue to expand our product offerings, we are seeking a motivated and dynamic Assistant Category Manager to join our team and contribute to the success of our brand.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Category Manager will play a key role in supporting the category manager and president in the strategic development and growth of our product categories. This role is perfect for someone passionate about product management, market analysis, and supply chain operations. The Assistant Category Manager will assist in identifying trends, optimizing product assortments, managing supplier relationships, and driving category performance. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven individual looking to develop a career in category management and procurement within the hospitality industry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Category Analysis & Reporting: Assist in tracking and analyzing sales data, market trends, and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities and challenges within assigned product categories.
- Product Assortment & Selection: Support the Category Manager in curating and expanding product assortments to meet customer demands and align with market trends, ensuring products are innovative, competitive, and aligned with Mikasa Hospitality’s brand vision.
- Supplier Management: Help maintain positive relationships with suppliers, assist with price negotiations, manage product inquiries, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely product delivery and quality standards.
- Inventory & Stock Management: Collaborate with the supply chain and inventory teams to manage stock levels, forecast demand, and minimize excess inventory or stockouts.
- Product Launch & Promotion: Assist in planning and executing product launches and promotions, working closely with the marketing and sales teams to ensure alignment on messaging, positioning, and timelines.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, and logistics teams to support category initiatives and ensure effective product placement and availability.
- Market Intelligence: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to provide actionable insights and recommendations to the Category Manager.
- Administrative Support: Provide general administrative support to the category management team, including preparing reports, maintaining product catalogs, and updating product information.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- 1-2 years of experience in a category management, procurement, or retail buying role, preferably within the hospitality or consumer goods industry.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work cross-functionally with different teams.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks
simultaneously. - Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
- Passion for the hospitality industry and keen interest in product trends and innovation.
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of the hospitality industry, particularly in the area of tableware, kitchenware, r similar products.
- Experience with vendor and supplier management.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
Benefits: - Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for career development and growth within a dynamic and innovative company.
- A collaborative and inclusive working environment with a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
If you are passionate about the hospitality industry, have an eye for market trends, and are eager to contribute to the growth of an established brand, we encourage you to apply for the Assistant Category Manager position at Mikasa Hospitality.
Salary Range- $55,000.00 to $60,000.00
Preferred QualificationsLifetime Brands is a leading global provider of kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home. We offer brands you trust, value without compromise and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Our products make it easier for you to prepare food, serve meals, entertain guests, and decorate your home.
We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, which includes:
*All full-time employees (and family members) are eligible to participate in our Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
*Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care
*Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
*Company Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
*Eligibility in the Company's 401K plan, after 90 days of employment
*Paid Time Off (vacation/sick) - accrual of 15 days per calendar year for non-warehouse positions; accrual of 10 days per calendar year for hourly based warehouse positions
*10 Company Paid Holidays
*Employee Product Discounts
*Tuition Assistance
*Employee Assistance Program
*Volunteer Opportunities- 4 hours of paid optional volunteer time (annually)
*Seattle, WA based employees are provided with commute trip reduction incentives
*Benefits are offered to employees who work 30 hours or more
In addition to the above, we offer voluntary benefits.
Lifetime Brands, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that Lifetime Brands believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job. Lifetime Brands expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would Lifetime Brands consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.
We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, which includes:
*All full-time employees (and family members) are eligible to participate in our Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
*Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care
*Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
*Company Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
*Eligibility in the Company's 401K plan, after 90 days of employment
*Paid Time Off (vacation/sick) - accrual of 15 days per calendar year for non-warehouse positions; accrual of 10 days per calendar year for hourly based warehouse positions
*10 Company Paid Holidays
*Employee Product Discounts
*Tuition Assistance
*Employee Assistance Program
*Volunteer Opportunities- 4 hours of paid optional volunteer time (annually)
*Seattle, WA based employees are provided with commute trip reduction incentives
*Benefits are offered to employees who work 30 hours or more
In addition to the above, we offer voluntary benefits.
Lifetime Brands, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that Lifetime Brands believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job. Lifetime Brands expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would Lifetime Brands consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.
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