Accessory Category ManagerAbout the Role Join Ashley Furniture's Global Design & Merchandising team as an
Accessory Category Manager, where you'll source trend-forward domestic and international accents that keep Ashley competitive and fashion-forward in the home furnishings industry. This creative and strategic role combines trend forecasting, vendor relationships, product development, and merchandising expertise to curate a compelling accessory assortment.
You'll work at the intersection of design, sourcing, and sales-traveling to markets, collaborating with vendors worldwide, and ensuring our accessory offerings perfectly complement our furniture collections.
What You'll Do Trend Research & Market Intelligence - Research future trends and marketplace developments through online research, retail shopping, and wholesale market visits
- Provide trend recommendations to retail and sales management
- Stay ahead of industry trends to keep Ashley fashion-forward and competitive
- Monitor competitive landscape and identify opportunities
Product Development & Sourcing - Source domestic and international accents based on company needs and trend direction
- Work with furniture development teams to coordinate complementary accessory development
- Collaborate with domestic and international vendors to develop samples
- Make modifications to product development as needed
- Inspect first production runs to verify design integrity
Vendor Management & Negotiation - Build and maintain relationships with domestic and international suppliers
- Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors
- Communicate development needs and specifications to suppliers
- Make strategic decisions to drop items if pricing or quality doesn't meet standards
- Work with vendors to ensure quality and shipment improvements
Development Presentations & Specifications - Compile development requests into comprehensive presentations with inspiration, images, specifications, and target pricing
- Present development concepts to suppliers
- Validate shipping, images, target pricing, and ensure item information accuracy
- Coordinate with international sourcing team on necessary forms and documentation
Pricing & Financial Management - Recommend wholesale prices based on competitive market analysis
- Collaborate with Finance to ensure costing meets market deadlines
- Manage velocity and sales reports to gauge projections for current and future items
- Analyze sales data to inform buying decisions
Market Preparation & Execution - Follow up with samples to ensure all market introductions ship on-time
- Assign names and SKU numbers to new introductions in collaboration with team
- Provide information to legal department for product approval
- Tag accessory items at market with accurate information and pricing
- Make recommendations for market line-up associations
- Train marketing specialists on product features and styling
Marketing & Sales Support - Write product knowledge and descriptions for training, tags, price lists, and catalogs
- Coordinate photography line-up and in-line associations to support sales
- Approve catalog proofs
- Work with sales management to determine potential "Go" decisions during market
- Maintain list of "No Go" items and determine disposition
- Work with market team on damages and missing items
What You'll Bring Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion, or related field (or equivalent work experience)
- 5+ years of experience in assortment planning, merchandising, and/or product planning
- Moderate domestic and international travel required
- Flexible schedule with willingness to work extended hours when necessary
Design & Merchandising Expertise - Interior design knowledge with excellent eye for color
- Strong understanding of home décor trends and styling
- Ability to curate cohesive accessory collections
- Understanding of how accessories complement furniture
Business & Analytical Skills - Strong negotiation skills with vendors
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Data analysis for sales projections and velocity management
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
Technical & Organizational Skills - Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite
- Document management systems experience
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Work Environment & Travel - Moderate domestic and international travel to markets, vendors, and trade shows
- Flexible hours during market periods and product development cycles
Ready to Apply? Join Ashley Furniture Industries as an Accessory Category Manager and help us stay at the forefront of home décor trends! This creative role offers the perfect blend of trend forecasting, global sourcing, and strategic merchandising for passionate home furnishings professionals.
