Job Description
Job Description
Who are we?
Polyconcept North America (PCNA) is the industry’s biggest and most diverse offering of promotional products and decoration services. At PCNA, we don’t just create products — we inspire brand experiences. Join our team and be part of a company where you can make a mark, build something meaningful, and grow in your career while helping brands leave lasting impressions.
What we offer you
- Full healthcare and benefits! The health and wellness of our employees is important to us, that’s why we offer benefits including medical, vision, dental, short-term disability, and more!
- Flexible scheduling
- 401k Matching
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays
- PCNA Cares Share Fund – donating to teammates in times of need
Why you will make it your career
We invest heavily in modernization, operating more efficiently with cutting edge digital technologyWe value our employee’s contributions in a collaborative and inclusive work environmentOur culture encourages listening, understanding and a sense of empathy makes PCNA strongerAs the industry leader for environmental responsibility, sustainability is the key to every decision we makeOur Values
Delight Customers : Treat our customers the way you’d like to be treated.
Work Smart : Time is valuable. Focus on the things that can have the biggest impact on our business and customers. Be inquisitive and innovative
Think Team : Work together to get the job done. Be inclusive and collaborative.
Own It : Be accountable. Embrace challenges as opportunities, roll up your sleeves and make it happen.
Say It Like It Is : Be candid, honest and respectful. Offer constructive insights and welcome other’s input.
Our Businesses
Leed’s is the premier supplier of high-quality promotional products, with goods ranging from pens and drinkware to bags and mobile tech. Bullet is a leading supplier of low-price promotional products, offering deep inventory, reliable service and 24-hour turnaround. Trimark, a member of PCNA, is a leading developer and manufacturer of logo'd apparel for the Canadian and U.S. promotional industries. Trimark sells logo'd apparel across 6 different categories : Polos, T-Shirts and Tops, Woven Shirts, Knits and Fleece, Jackets, and Accessories, including Headwear. At JournalBooks, we believe in creative minds working together to create something truly unique in journals and planners. ETS has always sought to provide the very best in service, product selection, printing capabilities and competitive pricing, focused on drinkware, ETS offers a broad range of high-quality drinkware categories. Spoke’s print-on-demand solutions and premium product assortment are standing by to help expand your inventory and fulfill your event and gifting needs!
The Position
The Associate Category Manager has ownership and accountability for a category, or categories, under the strategic direction of a category director or senior manager. This manager also coordinates, communicates and manages the priorities of assigned categories of responsibility, to support category growth and sales performance measures for both Bulletline and Leeds products.
Key Responsibilities
Develops and manages Category level plans that dovetail with Company’s strategic and financial direction ensuring SKU’s are “PO Ready” and that margin targets and investment goals are achieved. This is done in conjunction and approval of the Category Director.Works closely and assists a category manager, or senior manager, with development plans according to the strategic goals of the category and company.Drives Category Sales (Growth and Volume) and margin targets for appointed categories.Manages the life cycle of the full SKU offering in each category enhancing SKU productivity and minimizing obsolete inventory exposure based on the strategy set by the category director.Communicates and coordinates all phases of the development cycle as applies to duties and product development time and action of the product launch. This includes and supports product design and development through catalog launch and delivery.Analyzes and reports on sales, competitors, and market trends. React to these trends and apply the findings to development plans.Engages Operations Planning Team on all new initiatives.Develops and execute training / sales tools to assist sales force with information on new and existing product lines.Communicates to overseas merchandisers design PDFs and revisions, FOB targets and distributor pricing, materials, colors, packaging, production time, ETD’s, maker minimums, testing / engineering – concerns / solutions and sample follow-up as applies to the product development launch.Communication responsibilities for all product compliance requirements.Closely collaborates with marketing team on effectively bringing new product to market and maximize marketing opportunities with existing product for both brands Bulletline and Leed’s.Coordinates with Compliance manager on HTS information and customs compliance on current product development launch and inline concerns for Leed’s and Bulletline.Coordinates with engineering and production control on all product testing / decorating approvals and fixture approvals of new products for Bulletline and Leed’s. Communicate approvals and or concerns / solutions to Overseas Merchant Team for both brands.Manages profitability of a category with new product launches by analyzing target pricing and target gross margin. Also works with sourcing in managing inline product profitability by managing FOB costs and sourcing strategies.Researches and reviews by category / item to ensure that pricing and trend positioning of categories and items are consistent with Leed’s and Bulletline Brand Strategy.Presents new product strategies and feature-benefits to large sales-oriented audience.Adheres to product launch timeline and action plans.Closely collaborates with category planner on setting optimal inventory levels for both brands Bulletline and Leed’s.Responsible for serving as a brand manager for retail brand partners that fall within the categories you’re responsible for managing.Skills and Knowledge
Strong management and leadership skillsStrong product positioning and trend researchStrong verbal, written and presentation skillsMust have strong analytical skill set and ability to effectively analyze sales dataMust have exceptional organizational skillsExhibit high levels of flexibility and professionalism in extremely fast-paced environmentAbility to influence and work through cross-functional teams without formal authority.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, merchandising, or related field.Minimum, 2-5 years’ experience in product development or category management preferred, or a related field such as planning, merchandising, buying, or brand management.Experience in target customer and product trends.Previous experience with planning or sourcing required.Travel Requirements
Domestic travel required, international travel if needed.Travel up to 15%Together we inspire pride
We want our team members to be proud of the essential work they do, our commitment to the sustainability, and the overall customer experience. We are a culture that will invest heavily in our people, our company and in state-of-the-art technology to be at the forefront of innovation.
PCNA is an equal opportunity employer. PCNA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics, or any characteristic applicable under state, federal and local laws.
Fraud Disclaimer :
PCNA is aware of recruitment scams in which individuals are falsely claiming to represent our company and / or our employees. All legitimate communication from PCNA will come from our Applicant Tracking System, LinkedIn Recruiter, or a verified PCNA email address ending in @pcna(.)com. We do NOT conduct interviews via instant messaging platforms like Skype or request sensitive personal information early in the hiring process. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, we recommend verifying its legitimacy and immediately reporting any fraudulent activity.