If our name sounds familiar, there’s a reason why. We’re the people behind the iconic Koozie® Can Kooler – and more! As one of the largest suppliers in the promotional products industry, you’ve probably seen our work everywhere from your local bank to a large concert or sporting event. We imprint company logos and slogans on everything from pens to coffee tumblers, lunch bags, tech accessories, camp chairs, and award-winning calendars, to name just a few. Our desire to benefit our people, customers, communities, and industry is behind all that we do. We call it Keep It. Give It., and it ensures that we are leaving a positive, lasting impact with the products and solutions we deliver. 

We’re looking for the right person to fill this role. Read on if you want to know more, and discover how we like to keep the good going®!

Hybrid - Onsite/remote but must be near one of our facilities in Clearwater, FL, Red Wing, MN, Sleepy Eye, MN, or Doniphan, MO. 

 Great reasons to join Koozie Group:

• People-first culture
• Flexible schedules
• Great benefits, including:
  • Medical HSA and HRA plans
  • Flex spending accounts
  • PPO dental
  • VSP vision
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
• Unlimited PTO (Paid time off)
• Advancement opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee recognition program
• Employee charitable giveback program (up to $250 value)

Job Summary:

As part of the Product Innovation Team, the category manager will contribute to the success of the category and product portfolio of the assigned categories.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for specific category sales goals, budgets and profitability
• Develop product portfolios within specific categories, including but not limited to, the development of new strategic partners, products or services
• Guiding product development, interfacing with Koozie Group Asia and associated factories/suppliers in Asia and domestic suppliers
• Identifying additional opportunities within the category of new products and subcategories based on consumer trends, research, competitive analysis, etc.
• Analyze market position, price positioning, competition and product line efficiency
• Implement pricing and annual forecasts for categories
• Collaborate with purchasing, forecasting and sales teams to build annual plan by item
• Draft creative briefs/content to support trade marketing and communications calendar, inclusive of merchandising, price, target or necessary copy.  Support sales team and key customers in the development or training of products
• Ensure product images and specifications are accurate in all category marketing materials (including the website). Provide merchandising recommendations, as needed, for cross-category materials

• Work, in conjunction with all cross-functional teams, to ensure category goals and objectives are being met in accordance with annual plan 
• Perform ther duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 5 years’ experience in product development and/or category management
• Bachelors degree in Marketing or relevant field required
• Experienced in sourcing within the Asian culture
• Able to work with a 12h difference with Asia 
• Availability to travel (10% of time), to Asia and domestically
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects within a structured and process-oriented environment
• Excellent knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Open and creative mind. Ability to think out of the box
• Ability to work across functional, national, cultural boundaries in a matrix environment.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Capacity to understand the technical constraints of the products

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm to Keep the Good Going, you will find your way at Koozie Group.

Koozie Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Koozie Group also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Koozie Group will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.