Manager, Category Keyboards

Job Title: Category Manager 

The Category Manager, Keyboards is responsible for managing the in-store and online assortment for all Guitar Center Retail locations and websites, including product assortment, sales and margin, store clustering, inventory levels, promotions, vendor relationships and category analysis. 

General Category Manager responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following: 

• High-level assortment analysis, selection/management, and planning to specific sales, margin and inventory goals.
• Manage/own vendor relationships including negotiating pricing, delivery time, payment-terms, financing coverage, marketing partnership commitments, special-buys, and more.
• Creating exciting product collections to meet the needs of various and diverse promotional events.
• Coordinating product launches across retail, web, and call-center channels.
• Promotional, clearance and markdown pricing.
• Working with vendors to develop exclusive products for sale through all relevant channels.
• Developing promotional opportunities with vendors to increase sales and margin.
• Coordinating everyday activities with various cross-functional partners, including Marketing, E-Commerce, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, GCPRO/AVDG, Finance and training teams to drive overall success.
• Perform weekly, monthly and quarterly category analysis and external market analysis
• On-going evaluation of customer buying habits/trends in/outside the industry.
• Understand, analyze, and use open-to-buy budgeting process; forecasting category trends.
• Monitor and report on competitor price, marketing/promotion, assortment and presentation tactics.
• Training/coaching and mentoring category assistant category manager (direct report) and additional cross-functional team partners.

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to craft lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

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

• Bachelor's Degree (or 4 years of equivalent work experience)
• Valid state driver's license and automotive insurance
• Ability to acquire work/travel documents (i.e., passport and visa) as required by various countries
• 4 years of relevant work experience (in addition to degree or years of previous experience) preferably in a Musical Instrument environment
• 2 years of experience in merchandising, retail and/or category management
• Advanced knowledge of products found in the assigned Musical Instrument category
• Skilled proficiency with Microsoft Excel (V-lookups, formulas, filtering, sorting, formatting)
• Skilled knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Novice understanding of marketing and promotions functions

Pay Rate: $70,200 - $105,300 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 

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 reasonable accommodation by calling 1‐818-735-8800 ext. 2862 or by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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 [email protected].