Category Manager Sneakers

About the Role

As the category leader, you will be responsible for defining and executing the growth strategy for sneakers within the platform. This entails owning category-level performance across supply, engagement, and revenue, and establishing quarterly goals, leading indicators, and operating rhythms. Your deep knowledge of sneaker culture, including key sellers, creators, collectors, and resellers, will inform product, marketing, and platform decisions.

The role is part of a new, high-priority commerce initiative at StockX, and as such, you will have the opportunity to shape the direction of the category and contribute to the company's continued success. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Account & Partnerships Managers, Product, and Engineering, to scale seller acquisition and support, and to shape features and tools that matter to sneaker sellers and buyers.

What You Will Do

• Own the sneakers category end-to-end, defining and executing the growth strategy within the platform
• Establish quarterly goals, leading indicators, and operating rhythms for the category
• Maintain deep, current knowledge of sneaker culture, including key sellers, creators, collectors, and resellers
• Build and own a pipeline of high-impact sneaker sellers, shops, influencers, and creators
• Personally recruit and onboard flagship sellers who set the tone for the platform
• Develop seller strategies that balance credibility, storytelling, and commerce
• Identify and orchestrate sneaker-specific moments, campaigns, and formats that drive engagement and conversion
• Partner with Category Marketing to design culturally authentic activations
• Experiment with new approaches and iterate quickly based on performance and feedback
• Work closely with Account & Partnerships Managers to scale seller acquisition and support
• Collaborate with Product and Engineering to shape features and tools that matter to sneaker sellers and buyers
• Provide clear, actionable insights from the market to influence roadmap prioritization
• Build the playbook for the sneaker category, documenting learnings, frameworks, and best practices

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in category management, partnerships, marketplace growth, brand, or operator roles in sneakers, streetwear, or adjacent ecosystems
• Deeply embedded in sneaker culture, with a strong network of contacts and a finger on the pulse of the latest developments
• Strong relationship builder with credibility among sellers, creators, and community members
• Data-literate and commercially minded, with an understanding of pricing, margins, liquidity, and incentives
• Entrepreneurial, scrappy, and energized by building something from the ground up
• Comfortable owning outcomes, not just strategy, with a focus on execution, iteration, and adaptation
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a ability to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Experience with project management tools and platforms, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Nice to Have

• Existing network of contacts within the sneaker ecosystem, including sellers, creators, and community leaders
• Experience working with influencers and creators, with a strong understanding of the importance of storytelling and brand authenticity
• Knowledge of the latest trends and developments in the sneaker market, including new releases, collaborations, and limited-edition drops
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment, with a ability to work independently and manage your time effectively
• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, with a understanding of the importance of user experience and customer satisfaction

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the current culture marketplace
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about sneaker culture
• Flexible working hours and remote work options, with the ability to work from anywhere in the world
• Access to the latest sneaker releases and collaborations, with opportunities to attend exclusive events and experiences
• Professional development and growth opportunities, with a focus on continuing education and skill development
• Comprehensive health and wellness package, with access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs
• Generous PTO and vacation policy, with the ability to take time off and recharge
• Remote stipend and home office setup, with the ability to create a comfortable and productive work environment

• Tip: Showcase your deep knowledge of sneaker culture by highlighting your network of contacts and your understanding of the latest trends and developments in the market.
• Tip: Be prepared to discuss your experience working with influencers and creators, and your understanding of the importance of storytelling and brand authenticity in the sneaker ecosystem.
• Tip: Emphasize your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively, as well as your experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Tip: Highlight your data-literate and commercially minded approach, with a focus on understanding pricing, margins, liquidity, and incentives in the sneaker market.
• Tip: Demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit and energy, with a focus on building something from the ground up and driving growth and engagement in the sneaker category.
• Tip: Be prepared to discuss your experience working with project management tools and platforms, and your ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Tip: Show your passion for sneaker culture and your excitement about the opportunity to work with a leading company in the current culture marketplace.