Category Manager(Merchandising)-Leading Retail Company-Gurugram

Responsible for driving category growth and profitability through effective assortment planning, pricing, and promotional strategies. Manages Brand P&L, builds strong Brand/Vendor Relationships, and leads Onboarding Of New Brands. Oversees product lifecycle, ensures optimal inventory and merchandising execution, and collaborates cross-functionally with supply chain, marketing, finance, and operations. Uses data insights and market trends to deliver sales, margin, and customer satisfaction targets.

Key Responsibilities:

1.Category Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business goals and customer needs.
  
• Conduct market analysis, trend spotting, and competitor benchmarking to identify opportunities.
  
• Define assortment strategies (breadth, depth, product mix) to maximize sales, profit, and customer experience.
  
• Collaborate with marketing and supply chain to align promotions and availability.
  

2.Assortment & Product Lifecycle:

• Select and curate product ranges to meet customer demand and profitability targets.
  
• Oversee product lifecycle management from new product introduction to end-of-life decisions.
  
• Ensure balance between core, seasonal, and innovative product lines.
  
• Monitor performance of SKUs and recommend rationalization where needed.
  

3.Vendor & Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
  
• Negotiate costs, terms, and service-level agreements to optimize
  margins.
• Work with suppliers to co-create promotions, exclusive launches,
  and marketing campaigns.
• Manage supplier performance, compliance, and quality standards.
  

4.Pricing, Promotion & Profitability:

• Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin, and brand positioning.
  
• Collaborate with marketing teams to design promotional plans (campaigns, discounts, bundles).
  

• Track category performance against sales, margin, and profitability targets.
  
• Analyze ROI of promotions and adjust strategies accordingly.
  

5.Data Analytics & Insights:

• Use sales data, market research, and customer insights to guide decision-making.
  
• Monitor category KPIs (sell-through, GMROI, margin %, inventory turnover).
  
• Identify gaps in assortment, pricing, or supply chain and recommend corrective actions.
  
• Provide regular performance reports to senior management.
  
• Manage full brand/category P&L, ensuring delivery of sales, margin,
  and profitability targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and brand
  partners.
• Lead brand onboarding process including due diligence, contract
  negotiation, and commercial terms setup.

6.Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Partner with supply chain on demand planning, inventory management, and replenishment.
  
• Work with store operations/e-commerce teams to ensure effective product placement and presentation.
  
• Collaborate with marketing on campaigns, merchandising guidelines, and category storytelling.
  
• Align with finance on forecasting, budgeting, and margin targets. 7.Customer-Centric Merchandising:
  
• Continuously assess customer needs and feedback to refine assortment and merchandising approach.
  
• Implement visual merchandising guidelines to enhance in-store and online shopping experience.
  
• Drive innovation in category offerings to stay relevant and competitive.
  

Key Skills & Competencies