Toys and Hobbies Category Manager

Description

Position Summary

The Toys & Hobbies Category Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth through strategic assortment planning, vendor management, inventory optimization, and customer-focused merchandising initiatives across AMain’s toys and hobbies categories. The ideal candidate will be passionate about toys and hobbies, have strong business acumen, and thrive in a fast-paced eCommerce and retail environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with company goals for sales growth, margin, and customer experience.
• Identify assortment gaps, emerging trends, and customer needs within the toys and hobbies market.
• Create seasonal and annual category plans, including pricing, promotions, and product lifecycle management.
• Issue purchase orders according to category plans.

Merchandising & Assortment Management

• Source, select, and manage products that resonate with AMain’s customer base.
• Partner with vendors and distributors to secure competitive pricing, terms, and exclusive offerings.
• Ensure product content, descriptions, and merchandising online/instore are accurate, engaging, and optimized for conversion.

Business & Financial Management

• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory performance to inform decision-making.
• Develop forecasts and manage open-to-buy budgets to balance demand and supply.
• Monitor and improve category health through KPIs, including sales growth, gross margin, in-stock Rates, sell-through, inventory turns, inventory level, GMROI) and implement action plans to address gaps.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Marketing on promotions, campaigns, and product launches.
• Work with Inventory Planning, Operations, and Customer Experience teams to ensure smooth execution of category initiatives.
• Provide training and product knowledge support for store teams and customer service.

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of merchandising, category management, or buying experience (toys, hobbies, consumer goods, or related retail/eCommerce industry preferred).
• Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills.
• Data-driven decision-maker with excellent Excel and reporting skills.
• Strong understanding of eCommerce merchandising and retail fundamentals.
• Passion for toys, hobbies, collectibles, or related categories is a plus.

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Repetitive office work including typing, using a computer mouse, and telephone.
• Sitting time: 75%+ 
• Uses hands 75%+ 
• Meeting and phone use: 25%+
• Moderate noise – Office environment with computers, printers, and light traffic.
• Travel estimate: 5% - 10%