The Category Manager will play a key role in building and evolving our apparel and accessories assortment, driving category growth, and uncovering new product opportunities across our artist and brand partners. This role requires a proactive self-starter with a proven track record in apparel or accessories product development who can build strong cross-functional partnerships while collaborating effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
Position OverviewThe Category Manager, Apparel & Accessories owns the strategy, assortment, sourcing direction, and growth of the category while serving as the central connector between Sales, Account Management, Purchasing, Inventory Planning, R&D, Design, and Operations.
This role combines category strategy, sourcing, vendor management, product development, and cross-functional execution. The Category Manager partners closely with Purchasing, Inventory Planning, R&D, Design, and Operations to bring new products to market, improve the customer offering, and drive category growth.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, commercially minded, and passionate about apparel and accessories. They bring strong product instincts, a critical eye for quality, and a constant focus on improving assortment, customer experience, and overall category performance.
This person will champion the category, identify new opportunities, and help drive the continued growth and evolution of MFA's apparel and accessories business.
What You'll DoProduct Intake & Program Development- Serve as the primary intake point for new apparel and accessories opportunities.
- Evaluate feasibility, prioritize projects, and coordinate cross-functional execution.
- Partner with AccountManagement &Salesto align customer needs with operational capabilities.
Category Strategy & Ownership- Own the Apparel & Accessories category strategy and growth plan.
- Lead assortment strategy and product selection for the category, working closely with Purchasing and the Inventory Demand Planner to evaluate performance, identify gaps, and recommend assortment additions, removals, or changes.
- Stay informed on market trends, emerging brands, materials, decoration methods, and product innovations.
- Develop and maintain curated assortments that balance quality, profitability, and market demand.
- Identify opportunities to expand the assortment, improve category performance, and drive revenue growth.
- Work closely with Purchasing and the Inventory Demand Planner to evaluate category performance, product mix, and profitability, recommending actions that support growth and margin objectives.
- Partner with R&D on product validation, material evaluations, and development initiatives.
- Translate findings into actionable product recommendations and category improvements.
Sourcing & Vendor Management- Identify, evaluate, and onboard best-in-class vendors and suppliers.
- Build strong vendor relationships and maintain awareness of new products, materials, and technologies.
- Partner with Purchasing to support vendor evaluations, cost analysis, and sourcing recommendations.
- Continuously evaluate vendor performance, product quality, service levels, and innovation opportunities.
- Monitor competitive products, pricing, and market positioning.
- Bring forward alternative product and sourcing solutions that align with customer needs, market expectations, and margin goals.
Samples & Quality Control- Own the end-to-end sample process, including sample coordination, order entry, and quality review.
- Perform basic artwork adjustments and coordinate complex requests with the Design team.
- Review and approve samples to ensure quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
- Conduct quality reviews on new products and initial production runs.
- Maintain organized sample libraries and product documentation.
Product Launch & Operational Readiness- Translate approved products into launch-ready programs.
- Provide product positioning, specification requirements, and market context to support pricing and launch decisions.
- Support product onboarding activities including SKU setup, forecasting inputs, inventory planning, and launch readiness.
- Coordinate with Purchasing, Operations, and Development teams to ensure successful onboarding and launch execution.
Customer-Facing Product Assets- Create and maintain professional product presentations, catalogs, pricing guides, and sales materials.
- Clearly communicate product value, differentiation, and positioning.
- Support customer meetings and product presentations as needed.
Production & Account Support- Assist with onboarding new programs and strategic accounts.
- Review artwork and order requirements for production readiness.
- Help ensure customer expectations align with production capabilities.
- Support troubleshooting and product-related escalations when necessary.
What We're Looking For- 2-4+ years of experience in apparel, accessories, product development, sourcing, merchandising, category management, ora relatedfield.
- Demonstrated success managing product assortments, sourcing initiatives, or category growth programs from concept through launch.
- Strong knowledge of apparel blanks, decoration methods, sourcing, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience managing vendors and supplier relationships.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Comfortable working across multiple departments and managing competing priorities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Excel and related business tools.
- Experience within print-on-demand, apparel manufacturing, ecommerce, promotional products, or branded merchandise is highly preferred.
- Experience working with licensed brands, artists, entertainment properties, or retail programs is a plus.
