The Spice & Tea Exchange®

Procurement

• The Category Manager is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of assigned product categories, from strategic planning and market analysis to product development, pricing, and performance optimization.
• This role will serve as the category expert, driving growth through data-driven insights, trend forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations.
• Develop and execute category strategies that support the brand’s overall product vision, financial goals, and long-term growth.
• Conduct competitive analysis, consumer trend research, and market benchmarking to inform category positioning.
• Lead the end-to-end management of products within assigned categories from concept to commercialization and retirement.
• Solidify Vendor relationships depicted by each category, facilitating sample orders, pricing negotiations and relationship building with Supply Chain to ensure ongoing vendor partnership success.
• Monitor sell-through, margin performance, and inventory levels to optimize assortment and profitability.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to develop campaign support, storytelling, and in-store merchandising strategies.
• Own category P&L performance including revenue, COGS, and margin optimization.

Product Category Manager

Product Manager

• Develop and execute product roadmaps across all core categories including, but not limited to, spices, salts, sugars, teas, blends, candles, honeys/syrups and accessories.
• Identify market trends, consumer insights, and franchise needs to drive new product concepts.
• Lead ideation and cross-functional collaboration to bring new SKUs and seasonal programs to market.
• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify new trends, consumer preferences, and gaps in the market.
• Leverage customer and franchisee feedback to inform the product roadmap and drive data-driven decisions.
• Partner with franchise owners to pilot new products, collect field insights, and integrate real-time operational feedback to improve product performance and guest experience across diverse markets.
• Analyze product performance data post-launch to inform future development cycles and measure success against KPIs.
• Manage and mentor a team of Product Category Managers, Coordinators and/or Specialists.
• Ensure each category has clear strategy, timelines, and performance goals.
• Oversee product lifecycle, from concept to launch to retirement.
• Own category dashboards and lifecycle analytics, leveraging POS, e-commerce, and supply chain data to optimize SKU mix, forecast demand, and identify discontinuation or re-formulation opportunities.
• Partner closely with Senior Director of Corporate Development to ensure product procurement is aligned with the brand vision and sustained growth plan.
• Champion sustainable sourcing, packaging innovation, and supplier transparency initiatives that align with The Spice & Tea Exchange’s brand promise and environmental responsibility goals.
• Marketing to align branding, packaging, positioning, naming, and launch campaigns.
• Franchise Operations for owner input and sell-in support.
• QA & Regulatory to ensure ingredient accuracy, certifications, and compliance.
• Oversee timelines, costing, and margin targets for every product initiative.
• Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, ecommerce, and seasonal programs.
• Align product pipeline with production, distribution, and operational capacity.
• Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging, and guest experience.
• Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications (organic, kosher, etc.), and ingredient integrity.
• Set goals, track KPIs, and report progress to the Senior Director of Corporate Development.
• Oversee project timelines, P&Ls, and profitability targets by category.

Product Category Manager

Director of Product Development