Category Manager (Special Projects & Partnerships)

About Herschel Supply

Herschel Supply creates durable, thoughtfully designed products intended to support better journeys for a lifetime. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the company is known for timeless design, practical functionality, and a signature warranty. Since 2009, the brand has continued to experiment, innovate, and grow its community through new experiences and creative exploration.

The company encourages people to take chances, step beyond their comfort zones, and embrace new opportunities. That mindset shapes the brand’s approach to product, partnerships, and culture.

Role Overview

The Category Manager for Special Projects & Partnerships will lead the planning, execution, and lifecycle management of non-core product initiatives such as collaborations, SMUs, and OMUs. This position sits at the intersection of product, partnership management, and commercial strategy.

Reporting to the VP of Product Design & Innovation, the role turns partnership concepts into commercially viable assortments and ensures they move smoothly from concept through launch. It also serves as the key link between external collaborators and internal stakeholders, driving alignment, operational discipline, and execution quality.

This position is based at the Vancouver headquarters and follows an in-office schedule from Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned collaborations as the main category owner, translating partner expectations into a clear and commercially effective product structure.
• Manage the special project assortment so seasonal narratives are reflected accurately in the line plan and aligned with regional distribution needs.
• Handle the setup and upload of partnership assortments into partner portals, ensuring collaborators receive fully accurate technical data and imagery.
• Work with Sales and Marketing to keep pricing and commercial positioning for limited releases aligned across all global systems.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle in PLM for all special projects, including style creation, attribute mapping, and SKU-level organization.
• Route all SMU and OMU requests through standard systems and processes so they meet brand, cost, and data requirements.
• Use Monday.com to keep Product, Sales, and Planning teams updated in real time on milestones, deadlines, and action items.
• Confirm header data for carry-over and new collaborator SKUs, including dimensions, care codes, and HS codes.
• Work with Sourcing and Development to monitor target costs and royalty considerations during prototype development.
• Create and maintain global price lists for partnerships and manage system uploads for launch windows and promotional periods.
• Own end-of-life planning for seasonal collaborations, including packaging needs and inventory exit plans.
• Support sample coordination, print strike-offs, and other development details for partner reviews and go-to-market preparation.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain complete accuracy in PLM setup, price uploads, and portal administration for all partner-related products.
• Keep project tracking current in Monday.com so cross-functional teams have full visibility and no communication gaps occur.
• Deliver partnership line plans and verified system data on schedule for each seasonal milestone.
• Manage margins and royalty tracking effectively across assigned special projects.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 3 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying across both wholesale and DTC channels.
• Experience in relevant categories such as bags, accessories, or headwear is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the full product development process and global go-to-market timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to move product concepts or partnership ideas through internal workflows and into launch.
• Advanced proficiency with PLM tools and project management systems such as Monday.com, paired with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accurate data.
• Solid understanding of retail math and margin management, with the ability to balance partner needs against financial objectives.
• Ability to convert broad creative direction into technical information for internal and external stakeholders.
• High proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, with experience using ERP systems and Shopify.
• Comfort managing multiple complex projects at once while working under tight deadlines and maintaining a service-oriented approach.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $81,000 to $91,000, depending on experience. This role includes a range of benefits and perks as part of the overall compensation package.

• Health benefits
• Competitive vacation policy
• Transit subsidy
• Maternity leave top-up for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Employee assistance program
• Product discount and giveaways
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and hot and cold beverages
• Social clubs and workshops such as running and crafts
• Weekly happy hour
• Various social and team events throughout the year
• Dog-friendly office

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Herschel Supply is committed to building a workplace that is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. The company aims to amplify individual voices and perspectives while strengthening its connection to customers and communities.

The organization welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and encourages candidates with disabilities to apply. Accommodation can be provided during the interview process upon request.