CATEGORY LEAD (PICKLEBALL)

I. Job Summary

Department: Product & Category Strategy

Reports to: Head of Product & Category Strategy

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Role Purpose

The Category Lead is responsible for running category execution from market understanding, product planning and development through launch and performance review.

The role translates category direction into clear product priorities and actions, drives cross-functional execution, and contributes to key sales, margin, inventory and product productivity drivers.

A hands-on, self-starter who is logical, comfortable with numbers, market-sensitive and able to move work forward.

Expected Deliverables/ Outcomes

• Clear product priorities and category action plans aligned with the Head's direction.
• Key products move through development and launch with clear requirements, ownership and timelines.
• Category performance is regularly reviewed with clear actions against key sales, margin, inventory and productivity drivers.
• Cross-functional teams are aligned and key category initiatives are followed through to completion.

Expected Capability

• Ability to understand customer needs, identify product gaps, and translate insights into practical product ideas and actions.
• Ability to use basic sales, margin, and market data to assess product and promotional performance and recommend actions aligned with the category direction.

II. Key Responsibilities

1. Market & Category

• Follow market trends, consumer needs, competitors and price points within the assigned category.
• Translate category direction into product priorities, range plans and action plans.
• Identify customer needs, product gaps and potential growth opportunities.
• Bring relevant market and customer insights into product and assortment decisions.

2. Product & Assortment

• Drive the product pipeline from concept → development → launch → review.
• Translate customer and market needs into clear product requirements and briefs.
• Work with Design / Product Development / Sourcing / Quality to ensure quality, cost and timeline.
• Recommend assortment, SKU mix, price points and launch priorities within the agreed category direction.

3. Commercial & P&L Drivers

• Track key metrics including Sales, Margin, Sell-through, Inventory and SKU productivity.
• Identify key performance gaps and business drivers.
• Recommend practical actions on assortment, pricing, replenishment, product improvement or discontinuation.
• Work with Sales, Retail, Ecommerce and Marketing to improve product productivity and commercial performance.

4. Launch & Performance Review

• Drive launch readiness for key products and ensure actions are completed on time.
• Work with Marketing, Sales, Retail and Ecommerce on product positioning and launch execution.
• Review product performance after launch and identify what is working, what is not and what action is needed.
• Follow through on agreed actions and monitor the impact on category performance.

5. Cross-functional Execution

• Act as the category focal point for assigned projects.
• Align key actions, owners and timelines across relevant functions.
• Proactively follow up and drive resolution of execution issues.
• Escalate key issues and decisions to the Head with clear facts, options and recommendations.

III. Key Requirements

• 3-5+ years of experience in Category Management, Product Management, Merchandising, Brand Management or related roles.
• Prior experience in the pickleball industry, a passion for sports, and the ability to play pickleball are preferred.
• Logical thinking with good numerical and analytical ability.
• Good understanding of market, consumer and product needs.
• Comfortable working with sales, margin, inventory and SKU data.
• Strong execution, follow-up and cross-functional working skills.
• Hands-on, proactive, fast-moving and willing to learn.

IV. BENEFITS

• Salary: 25 – 35M
• 13th-month salary and performance-based bonus;
• Full statutory benefits including Social Insurance, Health Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, public holiday and Tet bonuses, as well as the company's welfare policies, team-building activities, parties, and annual company trips;
• Annual salary review;
• Opportunities to participate in training courses to enhance professional expertise, knowledge, and skills;
• Dynamic and professional sports working environment, with frequent opportunities to attend major events featuring well-known celebrities and professional athletes;
• Fully equipped with necessary tools and equipment to support work performance;
• Working hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday to Saturday morning (Saturday working hours can be arranged flexibly by adjusting the schedule).

V. WORKING LOCATION

Ho Chi Minh City: 188bis Tran Quang Khai Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1.

Upcoming relocation: At the end of 2026, the office will be relocated to 183C Nguyen Van Dau Street, Binh Loi Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.