Category Manager

Role & responsibilities:

• Buy, range and manage the category based on the demands and expectations of our customers.
• Develop the category strategy (business plan) annually and review quarterly.
• Prepare the annual category budget with Finance Input.
• Ensure fair, consistent and competitive pricing on all merchandise.
• Achieve category Sales and Gross Profit Budgets.
• Monthly reporting and ad hoc reviews of category financial performance.
• Analysis and monitoring of market activities for threats and opportunities.
• Identify and source new products and suppliers from both India and overseas, also consolidate the number of suppliers for existing products where commercially appropriate.
• Evaluate products to be ranged and deleted.
• Ensure all deadlines are met for the category in all areas.
• Manage the launch of new products into the market to ensure first to market for all critical new lines.
• Work with the buying team to develop item level and promotional forecasting.
• Update and adjust store and promotional models.
• Respond to customer complaints regarding category products.
• Prepare advertising submissions and attend relevant meetings to brief advertising agency.
• Check advertised offers to ensure adequate stock to cover promotional demand.
• Analyze effectiveness of promotions.
• Ensure Buying process and policies are implemented with regards to pricing, recalling of stock, advertising and introduction on new lines

Preferred candidate profile:

• 5+ years experience as a Category Manager managing product portfolios.
• Educational Qualification: Post Graduate/MBA
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Accurate numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong analytical ability and ability to synthesizing information into actionable objectives, planning and outcomes.
• Good fundamental understanding of analytical & communication tools.
• Ability to generate and present actionable recommendations to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Capable of managing and executing complex project management tasks.
• Data-driven thinking.
• Highly creative and innovative approach.
• Strong collaborative & growth mindset.
• Strong People management skills.

• Key Skills

• Category Management Promotion Planning Revenue Management Demand Forecasting Trend Analysis
• Assortment Planning Strategic Thinking Analytical Skills Sales Planning Demand Analysis Pricing Strategy
• MBA is preferred and good analytical Skills.

Perks and Benefits

• Travel to international and regional exhibitions .
• Medical Insurances