Accessory Category Manager

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets ComfortWho We Are:At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business - we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.Summary: Our Accessory Category Manager will source trend-forward domestic and international accents that keep Ashley competitive and fashion-forward in the home furnishings industry. This creative and strategic role combines trend forecasting, vendor relationships, product development, and merchandising expertise to curate a compelling accessory assortment.You'll work at the intersection of design, sourcing, and sales-traveling to markets, collaborating with vendors worldwide, and ensuring our accessory offerings perfectly complement our furniture collections.Responsibilities:Trend Research & Market IntelligenceResearch future trends and marketplace developments through online research, retail shopping, and wholesale market visitsProvide trend recommendations to retail and sales managementStay ahead of industry trends to keep Ashley fashion-forward and competitiveMonitor competitive landscape and identify opportunities Product Development & SourcingSource domestic and international accents based on company needs and trend directionWork with furniture development teams to coordinate complementary accessory developmentCollaborate with domestic and international vendors to develop samplesMake modifications to product development as neededInspect first production runs to verify design integrity Vendor Management & NegotiationBuild and maintain relationships with domestic and international suppliersNegotiate pricing and terms with vendorsCommunicate development needs and specifications to suppliersMake strategic decisions to drop items if pricing or quality doesn't meet standardsWork with vendors to ensure quality and shipment improvements Development Presentations & SpecificationsCompile development requests into comprehensive presentations with inspiration, images, specifications, and target pricingPresent development concepts to suppliersValidate shipping, images, target pricing, and ensure item information accuracyCoordinate with international sourcing team on necessary forms and documentation Pricing & Financial ManagementRecommend wholesale prices based on competitive market analysisCollaborate with Finance to ensure costing meets market deadlinesManage velocity and sales reports to gauge projections for current and future itemsAnalyze sales data to inform buying decisions Market Preparation & ExecutionFollow up with samples to ensure all market introductions ship on-timeAssign names and SKU numbers to new introductions in collaboration with teamProvide information to legal department for product approvalTag accessory items at market with accurate information and pricingMake recommendations for market line-up associationsTrain marketing specialists on product features and styling Marketing & Sales SupportWrite product knowledge and descriptions for training, tags, price lists, and catalogsCoordinate photography line-up and in-line associations to support salesApprove catalog proofsWork with sales management to determine potential "Go" decisions during marketMaintain list of "No Go" items and determine dispositionWork with market team on damages and missing items Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion, or related field (or equivalent work experience)5+ years of experience in assortment planning, merchandising, and/or product planningModerate domestic and international travel requiredFlexible schedule with willingness to work extended hours when necessary Design & Merchandising ExpertiseInterior design knowledge with excellent eye for colorStrong understanding of home décor trends and stylingAbility to curate cohesive accessory collectionsUnderstanding of how accessories complement furniture Business & Analytical SkillsStrong negotiation skills with vendorsAnalytical and problem-solving abilitiesData analysis for sales projections and velocity managementStrategic thinking and decision-makingWorking knowledge of Continuous Improvement Technical & Organizational SkillsProficient computer skills including Microsoft Office SuiteDocument management systems experienceEffective time management and organizational skillsHandle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraintsStrong attention to detail and accuracy Work Environment & TravelModerate domestic and international travel to markets, vendors, and trade showsFlexible hours during market periods and product development cycles Work Environment:This position is located in an active industrial manufacturing and distribution center with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role may require extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. The fast-paced environment involves time-sensitive and safety sensitive operations and may include various shift schedules to support production and distribution needsPay: $60,000- $65,000Benefits We Offer:Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance ProgramPaid Time Off; increases with years of serviceGenerous Employee Discount on home furnishingsProfessional Development OpportunitiesTuition AssistanceAshley Wellness Centers (location specific)401(k) and Profit SharingLife Insurance Our Core Values:Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.(Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:Corporate Social ResponsibilityView Our Corporate BrochureWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.