Assistant Category Manager, Scholastic Dollars Program

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Category Manager supports the execution and optimization of category strategies by leveraging data, managing key operational processes, and driving cross-functional initiatives. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate and actionable data, supporting e-commerce readiness, and contributing to special projects that enhance category performance. Working closely with the Senior Category Manager or Director, the Assistant Category Manager plays a critical role in translating strategic direction into execution, ensuring alignment across merchandising, marketing, and supply chain functions.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Book Category Support

• Manage and maintain category data integrity across systems, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely updates, including (but not limited to): item descriptions, images, online search keywords, supplemental data, and starred reviews
• Monitor category performance and prepare regular reporting and insights for leadership review
• Analyze sales, margin, and market data—including Scholastic Dollars performance, publishing industry trends, and children’s market insights—to support category strategy development and identify opportunities for growth
• Execute category strategies as directed by the Senior Category Manager or Director, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives
• Participate in book selection under the guidance of the Senior Category Manager or Director by reading, reviewing, recommending and curated books and book collections for use in the Scholastic Dollars Catalog
• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, marketing, inventory planning, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of category initiatives
• Support special projects, including new product launches, assortment expansions, and process improvements
• Help to identify and implement process improvements to drive efficiency and effectiveness within the category
• Assist in reviewing and proofing all print marketing materials

Scholastic Dollars E-Commerce Support

• Provide e-commerce data support, including item setup, content accuracy, and optimization to enhance online performance
• Manage the proofing process of monthly new releases to ensure accuracy in product details

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of three (3) years of equivalent professional experience required
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications; intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel strongly preferred
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities with experience in data management and database maintenance
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Exceptional attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in work output
• Excellent written communication skills, including grammar, editing, and proofreading proficiency
• Self-motivated with the ability to operate independently and effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment (remote or in-office)
• Prior experience in Category Management, retail buying, or merchandising is preferred
• Familiarity with and enthusiasm for books and publishing strongly preferred

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $75,000 annually.

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EEO Statement:

Scholastic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran. Those factors shall not influence the determination of qualifications for a job or other opportunity within the company. Further, all personnel actions (such as compensation, tuition aid, benefits, transfers, promotions, and dismissals, company-sponsored training, social and recreational programs) shall be administered without discrimination.

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