Category Manager

About the role

This role is central to Extend's growth, focusing on defining and executing strategies for specific product categories. You will shape the direction of our product offerings and drive revenue by deeply understanding market needs and competitive landscapes. Your work will directly influence our product roadmap and go-to-market approach.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead a dedicated team focused on specific retail verticals, synthesizing market research, customer feedback, and sales insights into actionable go-to-market plans.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Extend's Product Protection and Shipping Protection products and their suitability for assigned categories.
• Drive revenue growth and define product strategies for your portfolio of verticals.
• Create and implement go-to-market strategies that align with merchant needs, consumer demands, and Extend's objectives, aiming to surpass competitors.
• Identify opportunities for category expansion and develop strategic approaches for new and related market segments.
• Provide strategic guidance on key accounts, significant deals, and merchant growth initiatives.
• Utilize AI tools to make strategic decisions that reduce costs within the claims process.
• Influence the product roadmap by identifying feature enhancements based on competitive analysis, team learnings, and sales patterns.
• Contribute to a multi-year product roadmap and integrate new feature rollouts into the go-to-market playbook.
• Continuously assess your product categories to ensure competitive coverage and pricing through ongoing market analysis.
• Design bespoke solutions for major retail partners.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in retail category management, product strategy, or similar analytical, cross-functional roles within e-commerce or fast-paced technology companies.
• Proven ability to own a product or initiative from conception through launch and ongoing enablement.
• Strong skills in research, synthesizing information, and presenting clear, actionable insights to leadership.
• Advanced proficiency with AI tools and Microsoft Excel, including data modeling, financial analysis, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional projects and presenting findings to executive teams.
• Comfort with providing day-to-day deal and pricing support while also having autonomy over strategic and roadmap decisions.
• A detail-oriented approach with a focus on process improvement and innovation.
• A proactive self-starter who excels in high-stakes decision-making and taking initiative.
• Excellent prioritization skills to manage multiple projects effectively amidst changing priorities.

Nice to have

• Experience using business intelligence tools to inform strategy and optimization based on data.
• Familiarity with or a strong interest in using AI and agentic tools for workflow automation.
• Exposure to underwriting or actuarial concepts, including analyzing insurance risk and retail pricing strategies.

Skills & tools

• AI tools
• Microsoft Excel (data modeling, financial analysis, forecasting)
• Business Intelligence (BI) tools (preferred)

Practical notes

• Extend does not offer immigration sponsorship for this position.
• Benefits include competitive salary, full medical, dental, and vision coverage, stock options in a growing startup, generous paid time off, and 401(k) with financial guidance.