Category Project Manager

Category Project Manager – Consumer ProductsGalerie Candy & Gifts | Hebron, KY Full-Time | On-Site | Salaried Exempt Base Salary: $65,000–$80,000 annually About OpportunityGalerie Candy & Gifts is seeking an experienced Category Project Manager with a strong background in consumer products, product line management, supplier relationships, product costing, and cross-functional project execution. This is a product-focused project management position, not a graphic design, creative product development, or traditional purchasing/buyer role.The ideal candidate has hands-on experience managing consumer product lines or product commercialization projects, working directly with domestic and international suppliers, negotiating costs, understanding product margins, and coordinating products through production and delivery.Our product categories include plush, hydration, ceramics, tins, boxes, and other gifting-related merchandise across seasonal product lines, including, but not limited to: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween collections.This position requires someone who can independently manage multiple product-related projects, maintain accountability for timelines and deliverables, and make informed decisions that balance cost, quality, and business objectives. Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Line & Category Project Management·        Independently manage assigned consumer product categories through sourcing, costing, sampling, production, and delivery.·        Oversee multiple product projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met.·        Translate established product concepts and pricing objectives into actionable sourcing and production plans.·        Maintain detailed product specifications, costing information, project timelines, and production requirements.·        Coordinate product execution across seasonal line plans and overlapping development cycles.·        Identify risks, resolve obstacles, and drive projects forward with minimal supervision. Vendor Relations, Sourcing & Negotiations·        Serve as a primary point of contact for domestic and international vendors and suppliers.·        Manage vendor relationships, including pricing negotiations, production capabilities, timelines, and issue resolution.·        Evaluate vendor quotations, material costs, packaging options, and production alternatives.·        Negotiate costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining product quality.·        Hold vendors accountable for production requirements, commitments, and deadlines. Product Costing, Margins & Financial Accountability·        Evaluate product costs in relation to established selling prices and margin objectives.·        Partner with internal costing and finance resources to analyze profitability and identify necessary adjustments.·        Understand the financial impact of supplier pricing, materials, packaging, and production decisions.·        Recommend cost-saving alternatives and negotiate adjustments to support margin requirements.·        Maintain accurate costing information throughout the product execution process. Cross-Functional Project Execution·        Collaborate with Innovation, Design, Sales, Purchasing, Finance, Quality Assurance, and other internal departments.·        Coordinate product specifications, samples, approvals, production schedules, and shipment readiness.·        Communicate project status, risks, and changes to relevant stakeholders.·        Manage competing priorities while maintaining accountability for project completion and delivery deadlines. Required Qualifications·        Demonstrated professional experience in consumer product line management, category management, product commercialization, or product-focused project management.·        Direct experience managing vendor or supplier relationships, including pricing discussions, negotiations, and production coordination.·        Working knowledge of product costing, gross margins, pricing objectives, and profitability considerations.·        Experience managing products or product-related projects from initial requirements through production or delivery.·        Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and cross-functional stakeholders simultaneously.·        Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.·        Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to work with product costing and pricing information.·        Ability to independently manage assigned responsibilities and drive projects to completion.·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications·        Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), gifts, seasonal merchandise, housewares, or related physical consumer products.·        Experience working with offshore manufacturers or international suppliers.·        Familiarity with product specifications, packaging, sampling, production lead times, and shipment schedules.·        Experience managing multiple SKUs or product categories across seasonal or recurring product lines. Important Role ClarificationThis position is responsible for the commercial and operational execution of physical consumer products.While experience in graphic design, purchasing, merchandising, or creative product development may be valuable, candidates must also demonstrate direct experience with product-related project management, supplier relationships, costing, margin considerations, and production execution. Compensation & Benefits·        Base salary: $65,000–$80,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience.·        Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.·        401(k) with company matching contributions.·        Paid vacation and sick time.·        Company-sponsored short-term disability and life insurance.·        Additional voluntary benefit options. Why Join Galerie?At Galerie, you'll play a direct role in bringing consumer products to market across a variety of seasonal collections. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal teams, manage commercially important decisions, and take ownership of projects that directly impact product quality, profitability, and on-time delivery.If you have experience managing consumer product lines, negotiating with suppliers, analyzing product costs, and driving projects through production, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today to join our Product Strategy & Supply Chain team! Recruitment Agencies: Galerie Candy & Gifts does not accept applications or candidate submissions from third-party recruiting firms or staffing agencies for this position. Please, no agency inquiries. Galerie Candy & Gifts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics.