Product Category Manager

Product Category Manager

The Spice & Tea Exchange is looking for energetic people who have a passion for life and food. Our mission is creating and sharing the experience of a more flavorful life, and our employees strive to make that happen every day for our customers, our franchisees and each other. The employee experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange is unique and rewarding, and if you have this same passion for flavor, we have a seat for you at our table.

The Category Manager is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of assigned product categories, from strategic planning and market analysis to product development, pricing, and performance optimization. This role will serve as the category expert, driving growth through data-driven insights, trend forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations.

The ideal candidate is passionate about product storytelling, skilled in balancing creativity with analytics, and capable of translating guest and franchise feedback into actionable category strategies that align with brand goals.

Essential job functions include but are not limited to :

• Develop and execute category strategies that support the brand's overall product vision, financial goals, and long-term growth.
• Conduct competitive analysis, consumer trend research, and market benchmarking to inform category positioning.
• Identify assortment gaps, innovation opportunities, and product lifecycle transitions.
• Lead the end-to-end management of products within assigned categories from concept to commercialization and retirement.
• Solidify vendor relationships depicted by each category, facilitating sample orders, pricing negotiations and relationship building with Supply Chain to ensure ongoing vendor partnership success.
• Partner with Supply Chain, and Creative to ensure products meet cost targets, quality standards, and launch timelines.
• Monitor sell-through, margin performance, and inventory levels to optimize assortment and profitability.
• Create data driven reports to share amongst Product Development and Supply Chain iterating the story of success or failure of the product introduction and ultimately driving data driven decision for product sunsets and Core line up additions.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to develop campaign support, storytelling, and in-store merchandising strategies.
• Partner with Supply Chain on sourcing, vendor communication, and demand planning.
• Work with Operations and Training to ensure category success in retail execution and staff education.
• Own category P&L performance including revenue, COGS, and margin optimization.
• Analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and recommend adjustments to meet or exceed budgeted goals.
• Present quarterly category reviews and annual business plans to leadership.
• Stay current on industry trends, seasonal flavor profiles, packaging innovations, and guest experience opportunities.
• Evaluate and recommend new product opportunities, vendor partnerships, and strategic collaborations.

Knowledge and job requirements :

A bachelor's degree in marketing, merchandising, or related discipline, MBA preferred.

5+ years of category management, product merchandising, or brand management experience, CPG or specialty retail preferred.

Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.

Exceptional project management and communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Demonstrated success in managing product lifecycles and driving category profitability.

Passion for culinary, beverage, or lifestyle products is a plus.

Core competencies :

Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.

Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Data-driven decision-maker with a passion for innovation and guest experience.

Physical requirements to perform the essential functions of this job :

Frequent travel by plane and car to Headquarters and to various stores across the US.

Consistent ability to utilize hands and fingers to perform tasks as necessary for job duties.

Consistent capacity for visual acuity to visually identify color, substance, products, and their characteristics.

Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods.

Ability to perform repetitive tasks.

Operation of computer tools and equipment.

Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents, spices, fruits, extracts, aromas, or personal protective equipment.

TSTE is unable to accommodate sensitivity or allergy to various spices, ingredients, scents, and aromas contained in our products. This is core to our business and cannot be avoided.

While we will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, such accommodation may not alter the fundamental requirements of the job, cause undue hardship, safety risk, or interfere with the ability to perform essential functions.

Core values :

Commitment; engaged, flexible, patient, open-minded.

Detail oriented; organized, focused, high quality.

Reliable; integrity, dependable, authentic.

Continuous improvement; performance and safety awareness, goal-oriented, creative mindset, efficient.

Enthusiastic about food and beverage.

Teamwork; team-oriented and eager to grow within the company.

Spicy perks :

Hybrid work

Medical, dental, vision and other ancillary benefits.

401k plan + company match.

Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and / or dependent care.

100% company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.

Paid time off (PTO) during the first year, following 90 days of employment.

7 paid holidays.

Employee product discounts.

Quarterly Create & Share, free product gifts.

Annual Holiday Bucks with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement : The Spice & Tea Exchange provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Drug-Free Workplace : The Spice & Tea Exchange is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. The company policy states that all applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.