Category Manager - Pharma

Role Overview

Category Manager - Pharma

Key Responsibilities

1. Driving category performance

• Performance tracking and turnaround:

  Monitor regional, store, and category performance metrics to highlight variations and develop and implement action plans in collaboration with functional and regional teams

• KPI Monitoring:

  Track key category metrics including turnover, margins, and discounting patterns

• Management Reporting:

  Prepare regular performance reports and presentations for the leadership team

2. In-Store Initiative Execution

• Performance Improvement:

  Identify low-performing stores and implement targeted intervention strategies

• Store Initiatives Implementation:

  Drive execution of category-specific initiatives across the store network in collaboration with operations teams

• Store Staff Enablement:

  Support training programs for store staff on specialty therapy areas and category focus

3. Joint Business Plan (JBP) Management

• Partnership Execution:

  Drive implementation of JBPs with pharmaceutical companies while managing activation, adherence programs, co-marketing initiatives, and exclusive launches with pharma partners

• Stakeholder Coordination:

  Interface with internal teams (procurement, operations, marketing) and external partners

• Performance Tracking:

  Monitor JBP outcomes and ensure alignment with growth objectives

4. Supply Chain Coordination

• Fill Rate Monitoring:

  Track fill rates at brand, category, store, and regional levels; escalate supply issues and coordinate with supply chain team for corrective actions

• Availability Management:

  Monitor availability of focus SKUs and coordinate with supply chain teams for optimal stock levels

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Initiative Execution:

   Successful implementation of store toolkits and category initiatives across regions

2. JBP Execution:

   Effective coordination and implementation of Joint Business Plans with pharma partners

3. Performance Monitoring:

   Timely identification and escalation of underperforming stores/regions

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Data Monitoring:

  Proficiency in Excel, data dashboarding (Power BI, Tableau) and SQL; ability to track performance metrics and identify trends

• Presentation:

  Strong PowerPoint skills for creating business presentations and reports

• Category Understanding:

  Basic knowledge of retail category KPIs - turnover, margins, discounting, fill rates etc.

• Process Management:

  Understanding of retail operations and supply chain basics

Soft Skills

• Stakeholder Management:

  Excellent communication and relationship management skills

• Program Management:

  Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with attention to detail

• Problem Solving:

  Analytical mindset with ability to identify issues and develop solutions

• Collaboration:

  Strong cross-functional working capability with internal and external teams

Educational Background

• Graduate degree (preferably in Business, Commerce, Engineering, or related field)
• 1-4 years of relevant experience in category management, supply chain, retail operations, or business operations
• Experience across industries is welcome
• MBA is a plus but not mandatory
• Prior experience in e-commerce startups and D2C brands is a plus

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work with India's leading pharmacy chain
• Chance to create an impact at scale
• Direct exposure to category management and retail operations
• Career growth in a rapidly expanding healthcare ecosystem
• Collaborative work environment with senior leadership

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proactive, execution-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. The ideal candidate should have strong problem-solving capabilities, the ability to develop actionable turnaround strategies, and excel at cross-functional collaboration.