Assistant Category Manager

Description:

Job Summary

Gardner White Furniture is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative Assistant Category Manager to join our Living Room Merchandising team with a focus on Design Studio Upholstery. This role supports the category manager in developing and executing merchandising strategies while coordinating product launches, vendor communications, assortment planning, and sales enablement. The ideal candidate is passionate about home furnishings and interior design, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to grow a career in retail merchandising and buying.

Responsibilities

• Support the Category Manager in managing the Design Studio upholstery assortment and executing category strategies.
• Prepare for and participate in vendor meetings, including product reviews, assortment planning, pricing discussions, and trend analysis.
• Coordinate product launches by partnering with Merchandising, Marketing, E-Commerce, Inventory, and Store Operations to ensure a seamless rollout.
• Manage product setup for the website, including product specifications, photography, pricing, descriptions, and merchandising attributes.
• Coordinate vendor-led sales training and develop product knowledge materials for the sales team.
• Assist with showroom floor planning, product placement, and merchandising execution.
• Track product performance, inventory levels, pricing, and sales trends to support business decisions.
• Communicate regularly with vendor partners to gather product information, resolve issues, and ensure timelines are met.
• Assist with market preparation and attend industry markets and vendor showrooms as needed.
• Support special merchandising projects and other initiatives within the Living Room category.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements:

Qualifications needed to perform this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Interior Design, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 0-1 year of experience in merchandising, buying, retail, interior design, or product coordination preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for furniture, interior design, and home décor.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office and retail environment. Travel for furniture markets, vendor meetings, and industry events is required.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to stand and walk for extended periods while attending furniture markets, vendor showrooms, and store locations. The employee may occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 40 pounds while assisting with store rollouts and merchandising activities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday based on the needs of the business.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.