Category Manager, Haircare

Position Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable revenue growth across the company's wholesale channel, managing relationships with key independent retailers, department stores, e-commerce pure players, and mass retailers.

This role owns the wholesale strategy for a select portfolio of brands (2-3 brands) end-to-end, including account management, new account acquisition, forecasting, assortment planning, pricing, and trade execution, while servicing as a brand steward.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on -- comfortable with meeting KPIs, closing accounts, managing day-to-day execution, and partnering cross-functionally to scale wholesale business thoughtfully and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

Wholesale Strategy & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute the national wholesale strategy to drive sustainable revenue and margin growth across independent and department store accounts.
• Identify and prioritize growth opportunity by channel, account tier, and geography.
• Own annual and quarterly wholesale sales plans, targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Account Management & Business Development

• Serve as the primary point of contact for wholesale accounts, maintaining and fostering strong, long-term partnerships.
• Drive new account acquisition with aligned retailers that fit the brand's positioning and distribution strategy.
• Lead assortment planning, launch strategies, and sell-in / sell-through initiatives by account.
• Negotiate commercial terms including pricing, margins, MOQs, payment terms, and promotional support.
• Develop and maintain a streamlined wholesale portfolio, including brand books, sell sheets, and core collateral.
• Assist the company owner with identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new brands that strengthen the wholesale portfolio and drive growth.

Forecasting, Planning & Analytics

• Own wholesale demand forecasting and collaborate with brand partners to align on US-based inventory needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for brand partners, maintaining and fostering strong, long-term partnerships.
• Track and report on wholesale performance vs. plan, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting per brand.

Trade Marketing & Education

• Partner with retailer marketing teams to support in-store storytelling, product knowledge training, launches, sampling programs, and retail activations.
• Ensure consistent brand presentation and merchandising standards across wholesale partners.
• Support and attend key industry events, trade shows, and market appointments, as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal and external partners (Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Customer Service) to ensure seamless wholesale execution.
• Support leadership with ad-hoc analysis, reporting, and strategic initiatives related to wholesale growth.
• Assists with various projects and additional responsibilities, as needed.

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years of wholesale sales or account management experience, preferably in fragrance, beauty, luxury, or premium consumer goods.
• Proven experience managing national wholesale accounts, including independent specialty retailers and department stores.
• Strong understanding of wholesale economics, margins, forecasting, and retail math.
• Demonstrated ability to grow revenue while maintaining brand integrity and selective distribution.
• Highly organized, analytical, and comfortable working in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, and start-up environment.
• Tech-savvy ie. CRM, Project Management software, and other modern tools, including AI
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as needed (approx. 10% - 40%).

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with haircare and/or men's grooming brands.
• Familiarity with independent retailer landscape and luxury department store buying structures.