Program Manager – Books and Calendars

Drive the future of retail category management with McClatchy’s Retail Network as our Program Manager – Books and Calendars. We’re looking for a dynamic, data-driven leader ready to shape and grow our books and calendars category through innovation, analytics, and strong supplier partnerships. If you thrive on optimizing performance, leveraging AI-powered insights, and exceeding sales targets, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact in a fast-evolving retail environment.

In this role, you’ll lead the procurement, development, and management of book and calendar programs, collaborating closely with vendors, publishers, and cross-functional teams. You’ll use advanced analytics and emerging technologies to inform product selection, streamline operations, and ensure our offerings are always relevant and competitive. Your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills will be key to maximizing profitability and driving customer satisfaction.

What you’ll do:

• Manage and optimize the books and calendars category, from procurement and negotiation to sales performance and product availability
• Leverage AI, data analytics, and market trends to inform go-to-market strategies, pricing, and promotions
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, using technology to enhance sourcing and forecasting
• Analyze category performance and P&L, identifying opportunities for profit growth and cost savings
• Support retailer partnership team through training, pipeline development, go to market tools, and serving as a SME on client calls  
• Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and alignment with company growth objectives

What sets you apart:

• Proven expertise in category management, retail dynamics, and supply chain optimization—especially in books/calendars or similar categories
• Strong analytical skills and experience using AI-driven tools and consumer insights
• Excellent negotiation, consultative selling, and vendor management abilities
• Creative, strategic thinker with a passion for tailored solutions and measurable results
• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) and 5+ years’ experience in senior book/calendar purchasing, distribution, or retail category management

Join us and help redefine category leadership in the retail network space. If you’re ready to innovate, collaborate, and deliver results in a modern, tech-enabled environment, we want to hear from you!

The anticipated base salary range for this position is between 100k and 125k annually. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, department equity, training, geography, and local wage and hours laws.

About McClatchy: 

Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.  

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways. 

McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on well-being and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.  

Our comprehensive benefits package also includes a 401(k) plan with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, as well as a range of mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com. 

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