Company Overview
We are a leading e-commerce marketplace platform connecting millions of customers with thousands of sellers across India. We're seeking an experienced Category Manager to drive growth and strategy across our Healthcare & Beauty, Fashion, and Mom & Baby categories - three of our fastest-growing and most customer-centric verticals.
Position Summary
The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive category strategies to drive revenue growth, enhance customer experience, and strengthen brand partnerships across Healthcare & Beauty, Fashion, and Mom & Baby categories. This role requires deep understanding of consumer behavior, brand dynamics, and marketplace trends in these lifestyle-focused categories.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement comprehensive category growth strategies aligned with business objectives and consumer trends
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities in beauty, fashion, and parenting segments
- Create category roadmaps, seasonal merchandising plans, and trend-based assortment strategies
- Define category positioning and value propositions for different customer demographics and life stages
- Analyze category performance metrics and implement data-driven improvements across all three verticals
Brand & Vendor Management
- Onboard and manage relationships with key beauty brands, fashion labels, and baby care companies
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing strategies, and exclusive partnership agreements
- Collaborate with brands on product launches, seasonal collections, and limited edition releases
- Develop co-marketing initiatives and brand showcases to enhance visibility
- Conduct regular business reviews and performance assessments with brand partners
- Manage influencer and celebrity brand collaborations
Product Portfolio & Assortment Management
- Curate and optimize product catalog ensuring comprehensive coverage across beauty, fashion, and baby care segments
- Ensure product listing quality, compliance with regulatory standards, and accurate categorization
- Manage product launches including new brand introductions, seasonal fashion collections, and baby milestone products
- Monitor product performance and implement corrective actions for underperforming items
- Collaborate with private label teams on exclusive product development opportunities
- Oversee size charts, fit guides, and product specifications for fashion items
Marketing & Merchandising
- Plan and execute category-specific marketing campaigns including beauty tutorials, fashion showcases, and parenting content
- Optimize product visibility through search, browse, and recommendation algorithms
- Coordinate with marketing teams on advertising strategies, influencer partnerships, and content marketing
- Develop category-specific content strategy including styling guides, beauty tips, and parenting advice
- Manage pricing strategies, promotional calendar, and seasonal sales events
- Create and manage category-specific landing pages and microsites
Customer Experience & Engagement
- Develop customer journey maps and optimize purchase experience for each category
- Implement personalization strategies based on customer preferences and purchase history
- Manage customer feedback, reviews, and ratings to improve category performance
- Coordinate with customer service teams to resolve category-specific issues
- Develop loyalty programs and retention strategies for high-value customer segments
- Monitor and improve key customer metrics including NPS, repeat purchase rate, and customer lifetime value
Analytics & Performance Management
- Track and analyze key performance indicators including GMV, units sold, conversion rates, and customer acquisition
- Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management on category performance
- Conduct deep-dive analysis on category trends, seasonal patterns, and customer behavior
- Implement A/B tests and experiments to optimize category performance and customer experience
- Monitor competitive landscape and benchmark performance against industry standards
- Analyze return rates and customer satisfaction metrics to identify improvement opportunities
Compliance & Regulatory Management
- Ensure compliance with healthcare and cosmetic regulations (FDA, BIS standards)
- Manage age-appropriate product categorization and safety requirements for baby products
- Oversee brand authenticity verification and anti-counterfeiting measures
- Coordinate with legal teams on advertising compliance and claim substantiation
- Implement responsible marketing practices for healthcare and baby products
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Fashion Management, or related field
- 4-7 years of experience in e-commerce, retail, fashion, beauty, or FMCG industries
- Prior experience in category management, brand management, or business development
- Experience with Healthcare & Beauty, Fashion, or Mom & Baby categories strongly preferred
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Python/R preferred)
- Experience with e-commerce platforms and marketplace tools
- Knowledge of digital marketing, social media, and influencer marketing
- Familiarity with inventory management and demand forecasting
- Understanding of Indian e-commerce regulations and category-specific compliance requirements
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Proven negotiation and relationship management skills
- Deep understanding of consumer behavior and lifestyle trends
- Customer-centric mindset with focus on user experience
- Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Strong project management and organizational skills
Industry Knowledge
- Deep understanding of Indian marketplace ecosystem and consumer preferences
- Knowledge of beauty trends, fashion cycles, and parenting needs
- Awareness of brand dynamics and retail ecosystem in lifestyle categories
- Understanding of seasonal patterns and festival-based marketing
- Familiarity with mobile commerce and social commerce trends
- Knowledge of influencer marketing and content-driven sales strategies
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, Myntra, or similar marketplace platforms
- Background in beauty, fashion, or baby care industries
- Experience with private label or exclusive brand partnerships
- International retail or e-commerce experience
- Knowledge of sustainability trends and ethical sourcing practices
- Experience with live commerce and social selling platforms
Key Performance Indicators
- Category GMV growth and market share expansion
- Brand satisfaction and retention rates
- Product catalog quality and completeness
- Customer satisfaction scores and review ratings
- Conversion rates and traffic metrics across all categories
- Promotional effectiveness and ROI
- New brand onboarding and partnership development
- Return rates and customer service metrics
- Repeat purchase rates and customer lifetime value
Unique Category Challenges
- Managing seasonal fashion trends and inventory planning
- Ensuring product authenticity and quality in beauty and healthcare segments
- Navigating age-appropriate product recommendations for baby care
- Balancing brand requirements with marketplace policies
- Managing size and fit issues in fashion category
- Handling sensitive healthcare product communications and compliance