Category Manager, Guitars and Bass Amplification - Guitar Center

Position Summary: Manager, Category Guitars and Bass Amplification

The Category Manager for Guitar and Bass Amplification is responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the amplifier business across both retail and online channels at Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. Key responsibilities include driving sales and profit margins, managing product assortments and promotions, optimal inventory levels, fostering vendor relationships, and conducting comprehensive category analysis.

Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:

· Select and plan assortments to achieve specific sales, margin, and inventory goals.

· Manage vendor relationships, including negotiating pricing, delivery times, and payment terms.

· Conduct weekly, monthly, and quarterly category analysis as well as external market analysis.

· Project future sales trends based on market and product category data.

· Develop and manage promotional, clearance, and markdown pricing strategies.

· Coordinate product launches across relevant platforms.

· Collaborate with vendors to create exclusive products and develop promotional opportunities to boost revenue.

· Coordinate marketing efforts with Visual Merchandising, Digital Marketing, and Print Advertising to ensure overall success.

· Monitor and report on competitors' pricing, promotions, assortments, and presentation tactics.

· Analyze consumer purchasing behavior and adjust merchandise strategies accordingly.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

About Guitar Center

The Guitar Center Company embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. Our mission is to develop and nurture lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the joy that comes from creating music. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The Guitar Center Company operates through several business divisions. Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ, and lighting equipment, with more than 290 stores across the United States.  2014 marked the milestone 50th anniversary of the Guitar Center Company as the organization continues to help people make music from coast to coast.   

E-Commerce brands Guitar Center, Musician's Friend and WWBW offer online sales of a broad selection of music products. The Music & Arts division operates more than 220 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, and students since 1952. AVDG and GCPro headline the enterprise audio-visual integration business, delivering a best-in-class commercial and residential customer experience.

To join our band, you'll need the following experience:

· Bachelor's degree in business administration, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field.

· 2+ years of experience in retail merchandising, category management, or a related field.

· Experience with omni-channel retailing (both online and brick-and-mortar).

· 2+ years leading teams and/or supervisory experience.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to interpret complex data to make informed business decisions.

· Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.

Pay Rate: $78,200 - $124,800 annually depending on background and experience. 

This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance. The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

Why join us?

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Love this gig and want to apply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.

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