# Tasks & work activities — category manager

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 11-2021.00 (Marketing Managers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 1221; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Supplemental]** Consult with buying personnel to gain advice regarding environmentally sound or sustainable products.
- **[Supplemental]** Develop business cases for environmental marketing strategies.
- **[Supplemental]** Integrate environmental information into product or company marketing strategies, policies, or activities.
- **[Supplemental]** Recommend modifications to products, packaging, production processes, or other characteristics to improve the environmental soundness or sustainability of products.
- **[Core]** Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- **[Core]** Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- **[Core]** Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- **[Core]** Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- **[Core]** Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- **[Core]** Negotiate contracts with vendors or distributors to manage product distribution, establishing distribution networks or developing distribution strategies.
- **[Core]** Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.
- **[Core]** Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- **[Core]** Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
- **[Supplemental]** Select products or accessories to be displayed at trade or special production shows.
- **[Core]** Confer with legal staff to resolve problems, such as copyright infringement or royalty sharing with outside producers or distributors.
- **[Core]** Coordinate or participate in promotional activities or trade shows, working with developers, advertisers, or production managers, to market products or services.
- **[Supplemental]** Advise business or other groups on local, national, or international factors affecting the buying or selling of products or services.
- **[Core]** Initiate market research studies, or analyze their findings.
- **[Supplemental]** Consult with buying personnel to gain advice regarding the types of products or services expected to be in demand.
- **[Supplemental]** Conduct economic or commercial surveys to identify potential markets for products or services.

## Detailed work activities

- Advise others on business or operational matters.
- Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
- Analyze forecasting data to improve business decisions.
- Analyze market research data.
- Compile operational data.
- Conduct opinion surveys or needs assessments.
- Confer with organizational members to accomplish work activities.
- Coordinate special events or programs.
- Determine pricing or monetary policies.
- Develop marketing plans or strategies for environmental initiatives.
- Develop marketing plans or strategies.
- Develop sustainable organizational policies or practices.
- Direct sales, marketing, or customer service activities.
- Estimate cost or material requirements.
- Evaluate program effectiveness.
- Monitor external affairs or events affecting business operations.
- Negotiate contracts for transportation, distribution, or logistics services.
- Recommend organizational process or policy changes.
- Supervise employees.