Category Associate, Lighting

Location: Shanghai, China

Department: Category Management & Lifestyle Brands

Team: Business & Operations

About the Role

Wayfair is revolutionizing home shopping through its Asia eCommerce platform, and the Category Associate, Lighting role in Shanghai plays a pivotal part in warehouse and logistics operations within Category Management & Lifestyle Brands. This position involves owning the lighting category, managing supplier relationships, and driving logistics strategies to ensure seamless inventory flow to Wayfair's fulfillment centers. You'll collaborate with external partners and internal teams to optimize supply chain processes, reduce warehouse costs, and enhance operational efficiency across Asia markets. Key focus areas include building robust supplier networks for reliable logistics, analyzing performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, and executing plans that directly impact bottom-line results through improved warehouse throughput. The role demands hands-on involvement in tactical operations, from inventory planning to delivery coordination, while defining long-term category goals aligned with Wayfair's eCommerce growth. Expect to problem-solve complex logistics challenges and leverage data-driven insights for strategic decisions. This opportunity offers direct influence on Wayfair's Asia operations, with emphasis on lighting category specifics like bulk shipping, storage optimization, and just-in-time warehouse replenishment, contributing to a best-in-class supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with lighting suppliers and logistics partners
• Define category strategy focusing on supply chain efficiency
• Manage key supplier relationships to ensure timely warehouse deliveries
• Analyze and optimize logistics metrics for cost reduction
• Collaborate with internal operations teams on inventory planning
• Drive strategic decisions impacting warehouse fulfillment
• Execute tactical plans for category growth and operational improvements
• Monitor business metrics related to supply chain performance
• Problem-solve logistics bottlenecks in Asia markets
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams on eCommerce operations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field
• 2+ years experience in category management or procurement
• Experience working with suppliers in Asia markets
• Strong understanding of eCommerce logistics and supply chain
• Proficiency in warehouse operations and inventory management
• Ability to analyze logistics metrics and optimize operations
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration with operations teams
• Fluency in English and Mandarin

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in home goods or lighting category logistics
• Knowledge of Wayfair's Asia supply chain network
• Advanced Excel skills for logistics forecasting
• Prior work in warehouse optimization projects

Required Skills

• Supply chain management
• Supplier relationship management
• Logistics optimization
• Inventory forecasting
• Warehouse operations knowledge
• Data analysis (Excel, SQL)
• eCommerce platform familiarity
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Strategic planning
• Metrics tracking
• Asia market expertise
• Negotiation skills
• Mandarin language proficiency
• Attention to operational detail

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Paid time off and flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts on Wayfair products
• Stock options and equity participation
• Modern office in Shanghai with logistics perks
• Team-building events and wellness programs

Wayfair is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.