Job Summary

The Category Planning Director is responsible for managing the go-to-market (GTM) process and creating strategic category plans to meet financial targets and market needs. This role will lead category planning, demand forecasting, SKU optimization, pricing strategies, and product lifecycle management while integrating insights from cross functional teams (product, sales, marketing, operations, finance, etc.) to optimize product offerings and drive commercial success.

Essential Functions

• Manage the GTM calendar, ensuring alignment across all business functions. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of calendar stage gates and timing, recommending appropriate changes.
• Develop and execute category financial plans based on long-range strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain product performance reporting and analysis, identifying opportunities and risks.
• Consolidate and synthesize industry data, competitive analysis, and internal insights (commercial, brand, marketing, and cost factors).
• Establish SKU optimization analysis cadence and process, identifying rationalization and range refresh opportunities in collaboration with product development and design team
• Define SKU counts and mix (category, brand, price band, new vs. core, exclusives, etc.) to align with financial plans, brand strategy, and target consumer groups.
• Lead the cross-functional pricing analysis process, integrating inputs to drive data-informed pricing strategies and optimize profitability. Collaborate with Product teams to align SKU strategy and address assortment gaps.
• Develop and maintain pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with financial goals and global price harmonization.
• Analyze agility opportunities (special projects, exclusives, limited editions) for feasibility and profitability.
• Provide regional and channel assortment recommendations to optimize distribution.
• Lead cross-functional alignment with Sales, Product, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to execute category strategies effectively.
• Continuously improve forecasting, planning, and execution processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Practical experience in category planning, demand forecasting, and GTM strategy.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into strategic action.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in revenue and margin planning.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive alignment across departments.
• Outstanding time management and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in planning and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)

Required Education and Experience

• B.Sc in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 10+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, product development, demand planning, or similar functions
• Experience working in a multi-channel sales environment (B2B and direct-to-consumer).
• Experience working in the Musical Instruments industry is a plus

Essential Knowledge

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team
• Deep understanding of pricing strategy, product lifecycle management, and inventory optimization.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about working and winning in a team environment.
• Results-oriented and driven, with a strong track record of delivering to plan.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
• Ability to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions.
• Clear and logical thinker, with a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Comfortable working in a diverse, challenging, and fast-paced environment.

Travel Requirements

• This position is mostly office based, but may involve irregular travel

Physical Demands

• Typical office environment
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds