Category Manager Dairy-Bakery-Frozen

Role & responsibilities

1. Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement category business plans aligned with company objectives.
• Define assortment mix for Dairy, Frozen & Bakery to meet customer needs across small-format stores.
• Conduct regular market and competitor analysis to identify gaps and opportunities.

2. Buying & Vendor Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage suppliers/vendors for quality, pricing, and service levels.
• Negotiate commercial terms, including margins, rebates, and promotional support.
• Ensure timely procurement, stock replenishment, and supply chain coordination.

3. Sales & Margin Management

• Achieve top-line and bottom-line targets for the category.
• Monitor sales performance, stock turns, margins, and wastage.
• Optimize pricing strategy to balance competitiveness with profitability.

4. Promotion & Marketing

• Plan and execute in-store and digital promotions to drive category growth.
• Collaborate with marketing teams for campaigns, sampling, and seasonal launches.
• Monitor promotion effectiveness and refine plans based on performance.

5. Inventory & Operations

• Work closely with supply chain team to manage inventory levels and avoid stock-outs or excess.
• Set norms for ordering, freshness, and expiry control especially for perishable categories.
• Ensure product availability and quality standards are consistently maintained.

6. Customer Insights & Experience

• Understand consumer preferences, buying behavior, and emerging trends.
• Continuously improve product mix to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Preferred candidate profile

• Graduate / Postgraduate in Business Management, Retail Management, or related fields.
• 610 years of relevant experience in category management/buying/merchandising (preferably in food & grocery retail).
• Proven track record in managing Dairy, Frozen, or Bakery categories is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
• Experience in small-format retail (neighborhood/convenience stores) is preferred