Category Manager

As the Category Manager for General Merchandise vertical, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end buying and merchandising strategy for multiple categories on Bigbasket platform. You will have to manage a diverse portfolio of products including Cleaning aids, home improvement, Kitchenware, categories. Your role will focus on driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, enhancing supplier relationships, and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

You will collaborate with internal teams, such as marketing, operations, and supply chain, to deliver the best product offerings and ensure competitive pricing and profitability.

Job Profile:

Category Strategy & Planning

- Develop and execute the strategic vision for the Kitchenware, Cleaning aids & home improvement category, aligned with business goals. Conduct market analysis and competitor benchmarking to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the growth of the category in alignment with quick-commerce business objectives.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the growth of the category in alignment with quick-commerce business objectives.

Buying & Merchandising:

- Lead the end-to-end buying process, including product selection, negotiation, pricing, and supplier management.

- Curate and manage product assortments to ensure we offer a relevant and diverse range of products.

- Ensure the right balance of price, quality, and demand to maximize sales and margin.

Supplier Relationship Management

- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key electronics suppliers and manufacturers.

- Negotiate contracts, deals, and promotional activities to optimize product offerings and margins.

- Manage supplier performance to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of products.

Data-Driven Decision Making

- Use data analytics to forecast demand, identify trends, and optimize inventory management. Continuously monitor category performance, including sales, margins, and customer satisfaction, and adjust strategies accordingly.

- Utilize customer feedback and insights to refine product offerings and improve the customer experience.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with the marketing team to ensure effective promotion and positioning of assigned product categories.

- Collaborate with the operations and logistics teams to ensure optimal stock levels and on-time deliveries. Partner with technology and UX/UI teams to enhance the online shopping experience for customers.

Team Leadership

- Manage and mentor a team of category buyers and merchandisers, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.

- Set clear performance objectives, track progress, and drive team accountability.

Additional Skills :

- In-depth knowledge of the sourcing of (Kitchenware, Household Cleaning & Home Improvement) product categories, market trends, and consumer behavior.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.

- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

- Proficient in using Excel, e-commerce platforms, and merchandise planning tools.

- Ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams.

- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

- Results-oriented with a strong focus on driving growth and profitability.

- Highly adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic quick-commerce environment.

- Innovative and forward-thinking, with the ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends.

- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to multitask effectively.

- Proven experience in quick commerce, e-commerce, or retail environments is highly desirable.