Category Director - Osprey

Join our Product team at Helen of Troy and make an immediate impact on our trusted brands: OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon, and Olive & June. Together, we build innovative and useful products that elevate people's lives everywhere every day.

Look around your home, and you'll find us everywhere, in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. We are already making your everyday lives better. We are powered by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking people committed to developing a culture of inclusion. Whether you are just starting your career or in need of a challenge, we recognize, develop, and empower talent!

Position: Category Director, Osprey

Department: Product, Osprey

Work Location: Cortez, CO, Hybrid (work 3 days onsite)

Hybrid Schedule: Helen of Troy associates enjoy the advantages and flexibility of a hybrid working model, allowing for in office 3 days minimum, and remote 2 days. Any changes to this working model would be communicated accordingly.

What you will be doing:

The Technical Category Director is responsible for growing and evolving the technical product category. The position works with internal stakeholders and outside partners to prioritize and commercialize short and long-term technical opportunities.

• 3-year subcategory micro plans for: Backpack, Hike, Climb, Bike, Run, Hydration, Snow, Outdoor & Hydration accessories.

• 5-year and longer-term planning for our current key growth categories of Run, Bike, and Accessories

• Long term BHAG exploration for new categories: Watersports, Hunt & Fish, Photo, Camping utility etc.

• Conduct and deliver seasonal category market research and competitive analysis

• Gather, access and ID sales trends & needs from sales leadership, Sales reps and key retailer input

• Quarterly market share and trend research provided at the QBR meeting

• Partner with Global Design and marketing to ID and refine target customer personas

• Build annual category plans with return on investment for leadership team review. Including: market trends, competitive analysis, market size & sales/potential, customer research

• Seasonal product line planning and assortment reviews with Sales, marketing, and finance during yearly budget planning and LR & GTM process.

• Works with global leadership in Design, Sales, Marketing and Operations/Production to develop a comprehensive GTM strategy for each product subcategory with related support needs.

• Provide global forecasting support by series for sales leadership

• Seasonal and product briefs

• Provide product price/margin assessment

• Improve design & development calendar to ID all critical steps and provide clear RACI for each step/gate. Adhere to go no go critical dates/gates

• Improve costing and forecasting model with IT, finance, and sales

• Product testing – instigates comprehensive field-testing program and warranty & repair assessment to ensure product quality

• Legal – Provides proactive timely information for legal research & review of potential IP clearance or application, Names and Graphic/logo applications.

• Ensure documentation is accurate and up to date and accessible for – Line lists, 5 yr product pipeline, Briefs, and VLP’s

• Supporting product launches with shared sales & marketing strategy development, editing sales materials (GTM plan & Workbook)

• Supporting sale in work with Sales meeting presentations, Key retailer visits, trade show & PR support

• Ensuring departmental priorities and top-level goals are communicated, understood, and supported within the global PLM and Design group

• Ensuring top level product goals are communicated, understood, and supported by Sales, Marketing, and Production teams.

• Creation of Departmental staffing and individual development plans

• Developing training and mentoring plans with annual departmental goal setting and regular one on one meetings and coaching

Skills needed to be successful in this role:

• Technical skills to include product planning, product development, category financial planning

• Strong interpersonal skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Merchandising, or Design.

• 7+ years in outdoor packs & bags experience.

• 7+ years’ experience in managing staff.

• Proven background in developing innovative products.

• Demonstrated knowledge of developing successful product programs.

• Experience in mentoring and driving product teams.

• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA.

• Experience with Textile.

• Background in Engineering.

• International experience.

• Experience in material sourcing.

• Environmental/Sustainability experience.

In California, Colorado, and New York City, the standard base pay range for this role is $130,000.00-195,000.00 annually. This base pay range is specific to Colorado and may not be applicable to other locations. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to location, experience, skill level, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.

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For more information about Helen of Troy, visit www.helenoftroy.com. You can also find us on LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.

Helen of Troy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We are committed to developing a diverse workforce and cultivating an inclusive environment.  We value diversity and believe that we are strengthened by the differences in our experiences, thinking, culture, and background.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any protected basis.

We will provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application process.  If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (915) 225-8000. 

Founded in 1968, Helen of Troy is a prominent player in the global consumer products industry, offering diverse career opportunities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. We boast a collection of renowned brands such as OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon, and Olive & June – many of which rank #1, #2, or #3 in their respective categories, making the Helen of Troy name synonymous with excellence and ingenuity.

At Helen of Troy, our strategy involves acquiring brands that we can integrate and enhance, amplifying their unique attributes to drive growth and profitability. Embracing a culture of collaboration internally and externally, we are committed to providing innovative solutions tailored to consumers, operational excellence, global scalability, and exceptional shared services to support our brand portfolio. This dedication to fostering development and success sets Helen of Troy apart as a pioneer in the industry, propelling our brands to unparalleled heights of success and recognition worldwide.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties of the position at any time.