Regional Category Manager

As a Regional Category Manager for Bangalore and Punjab locations in the FMCG industry, your role will involve managing the Category FMCG team for the assigned Region, overseeing approximately 20 - 30 stores. You will lead a team of 8 - 10 members in purchasing National & Regional FMCG brands, conducting both classroom and On-The-Job training for team members, and developing and grooming your team. Your responsibilities will include coordinating the buying and movement of goods from vendors to Distribution Centers (DC) and from DC to stores to ensure smooth business operations. You will engage with key vendor partners for negotiations, forecasting, and category development initiatives. Collaboration with Store Operations, Supply Chain, core Purchase, and Central purchase teams will be essential to maximize offtakes and ensure optimal promotions in stores. You will be accountable for finalizing monthly and quarterly plans with FMCG vendors, including demand planning, promotions, and ensuring smooth supplies to stores. Training and developing Purchase officers and Assistant Purchase managers will also be part of your role, both on-the-job and through classroom training. Maintaining availability in DC and stores on a daily basis and ensuring competitive pricing in the market will be core aspects of your job. The role will require frequent travel within the assigned region and across India, with the base location being the Regional office. Qualifications Required: - Graduate/Post Graduate/MBA with a minimum of 11 years of experience in FMCG Sales. - Experience in General Trade/Modern Trade is preferred, along with prior experience in a similar managerial role. - Knowledge of the local language/location of posting is essential. - Strong communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are necessary. - Proficient team management and training skills are crucial, as you will be overseeing a substantial team and responsible for their development and training.,