Department: Product / Category Management
Location: New York, NY
Type: Full-Time
Reports to: North America GM & COO
Travel: Approximately 20–30% (schools, tournaments, trade shows, events)
WHO WE ARE
Venum is the #1 combat sports brand in the world, trusted by elite athletes and worn across the UFC, boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ, and training communities worldwide. Our products are built for performance, authenticity, and athletes who live the fight game.
As Venum continues expanding its presence in North America, we are entering new performance categories, including Team Sports, with a strong focus on Football and Wrestling. These categories represent a major growth opportunity for the brand as we build products designed for teams, schools, clubs, and athletes across the United States.
The Football & Wrestling Category Manager will play a critical role in developing these categories and driving both product success and commercial growth.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are hiring a Football & Wrestling Category Manager to lead the development and commercial growth of these two strategic categories in North America.
This role will oversee product strategy, market development, and category growth across both football and wrestling disciplines. The position requires someone who understands the football and wrestling ecosystems and can help position Venum as a credible and competitive brand within these markets.
The ideal candidate combines product knowledge, commercial thinking, and strong relationships within the sports ecosystem.
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
Category Strategy & Development
- Lead the strategic development of the Football and Wrestling categories for the North American market.
- Identify opportunities to grow the category through new product development, athlete partnerships, and team programs.
- Work closely with the global product team to ensure product lines align with market needs and performance expectations.
Product & Market Positioning
- Help define product positioning, pricing, and assortment strategies for football and wrestling products.
- Provide market insights that guide product development, including feedback from athletes, coaches, and teams.
- Support product launch planning in collaboration with marketing and e-commerce teams.
Team & School Market Development
- Develop relationships with:
- High school athletic programs
- Clubs and academies
- Team organizations
- Coaches and trainers
- Identify opportunities to expand Venum’s presence in team sports programs, particularly within football and wrestling communities.
Commercial Ownership & Revenue Accountability
- Drive category growth by identifying sales opportunities within schools, clubs, and sports organizations.
- Work closely with sales, marketing, and e-commerce teams to support revenue targets for the category.
- Contribute to annual sales objectives and ensure category initiatives support the company’s overall growth strategy.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with internal teams including:
- Marketing
- E-Commerce
- Product Development
- Sales
- Ensure alignment between category strategy and marketing campaigns, product launches, and commercial initiatives.
Industry & Community Engagement
- Represent Venum within the football and wrestling communities.
- Attend key tournaments, events, and trade shows to build brand presence and gather market insights.
- Maintain strong relationships with coaches, athletes, and organizations that influence the category.
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
- North America GM
- Senior Brand Marketing Manager
- Product and Design teams
- E-Commerce Director North America
- Digital Marketing team
- Sales and retail partner teams
WHAT YOU BRING
- 4–7+ years of experience in category management, sports marketing, product management, or sales within the sports industry.
- Strong understanding of football and/or wrestling ecosystems.
- Experience working with teams, schools, clubs, or athletic organizations is a strong plus.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to identify growth opportunities and support sales initiatives.
- Strong relationship-building skills within sports communities.
- Ability to manage multiple initiatives and collaborate across departments.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to help grow a developing category.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Venum establishes a credible and growing presence in football and wrestling.
- Strong relationships are built with schools, teams, and organizations.
- Product launches within the category generate strong engagement and sales.
- Category initiatives support revenue growth and brand expansion.
WHY VENUM
- Work for the #1 combat sports brand in the world
- Be part of Venum’s expansion into Team Sports categories
- Play a key role in developing new sports markets in North America
- Join a fast-growing organization with significant opportunity for impact and career growth
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This role will be compensated with a good-faith pay range of $100,000–$130,000. This range represents the minimum and maximum base pay the company reasonably expects to offer for this role at the time of posting. Final base pay will depend on several factors, including the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications or professional licenses, and overall performance throughout the interview process.
This role may offer the following benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and a 401(k) matching program. This role may also be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus award. This role includes paid personal time off and 14 paid company holidays. Venum offers paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, genetic information, arrest or conviction record (consistent with the New York City Fair Chance Act and applicable law), domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind and is committed to maintaining a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
A job description for this position is available and has been provided as part of the job posting. The duties and responsibilities described in the job description are intended to outline the general nature and level of work expected for this role and may be modified by the Company as needed based on business requirements. The job description does not limit the Company’s ability to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, or reporting relationships, and may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in the role or the needs of the business.
