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About Us

Freeman is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’ largest network of experts, Freeman’s insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 97-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

Summary

The Product Category Manager is responsible for developing, sourcing, and managing the furniture & fixture portfolio used in tradeshow, exhibit, and event environments. This role drives product strategy, lifecycle management, and vendor relationships to ensure a competitive, high-quality assortment that meets customer needs, aligns with brand standards, and supports revenue growth.

This position will support our Global Supply Chain team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 2-3 days per week. This position is based out of our North Dallas office in Dallas, TX.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

+ Develop and execute category strategies based on industry trends, customer insights, and company goals

+ Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimization, and differentiation within the furniture & fixtures assortment

+ Forecast category performance and establish KPIs for revenue and margin

Product Selection & Lifecycle Management

+ Evaluate current product offerings for performance, profitability, and relevance

+ Lead product development or sourcing of new items, ensuring alignment with design trends, durability, and event logistics requirements

+ Manage end-of-life strategies for discontinued products, including communication to sales and operations

Vendor & Supplier Management

+ Source, negotiate, and maintain relationships with furniture & fixture manufacturers and suppliers

+ Oversee vendor performance to ensure quality and delivery standards are met

+ Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to optimize procurement and inventory processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

+ Partner with sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure category strategies meet customer demands and operational capabilities

+ Provide training and tools to sales teams for effectively positioning and renting furniture & fixture offerings

+ Work closely with design and creative teams to align furniture & fixture selections with event aesthetics and brand guidelines

Market Research & Analysis

+ Monitor competitive landscape, pricing, and emerging trends in tradeshow and event furniture

+ Analyze sales data and customer feedback to inform assortment adjustments and future planning

Operational Support

+ Ensure product specifications and usage guidelines are accurately documented and accessible

+ Support large-scale event planning or custom projects with furniture & fixture recommendations and availability checks

Education & Experience

+ Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year accredited college or university with a concentration in Business, Merchandising, Design, or related field is preferred, High School Diploma or Equivalent with relevant work experience is required

+ 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or product management, ideally in the tradeshow, event, or furniture industry

+ Strong negotiation and vendor management skills

+ Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)

+ Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

+ Knowledge of event logistics, furniture trends, and operational considerations in large-scale events

+ Ability to travel to tradeshows, vendor visits, and industry events as needed

+ Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen

+ Creativity & Design Awareness

+ Analytical Problem-Solving

+ Relationship Building & Negotiation

+ Project Management & Organization

+ Adaptability in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

What We Offer

Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

+ Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

+ Tuition Reimbursement

+ Paid Parental Leave

+ Life, Accident and Disability

+ Retirement with Company Match

+ Paid Time Off

Diversity Commitment

At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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