Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager Women's Ethnic Wear

Department: Merchandising

Reports To: Head of Planning & Merchandising

Company Overview:

As a pioneer in the women's ethnic wear sector, our startup ethos blends tradition with the thrill of innovation. We are systematically streamlining a fragmented market, bringing order and unmatched style to our customers. Our rapid growth trajectory is not just expanding our business but also our team, creating spaces brimming with opportunities for professional growth, underpinned by a culture of empowerment and inclusivity.

Job Summary:

The Category Manager will be instrumental in steering the product lines to achieve the brand's vision in the marketplace. You will manage the entire category lifecycle, from strategic planning to execution, influencing product assortment and managing inventory to optimize sales and profitability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Management:

• Spearhead yearly budgeting processes for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with long-term financial goals.
• Execute and adapt the quarterly and monthly budget to optimize financial performance.

Topline and Bottomline Accountability:

• Drive revenue growth by managing the category topline in accordance with the sales plan.
• Ensure category bottomline health by controlling costs within budgetary constraints.

Assortment Strategy:

• Develop channel-specific assortment plans, deploying and editing assortments based on sales data and market trends.
• Manage the complete lifecycle of inventory for assigned categories, from OTB (Open to Buy) planning to in-store execution.

Inventory and OTB Management:

• Maintain ownership of inventory levels, managing OTB release and closely coordinating with buying managers for timely execution.
• Tailor store-level assortment plans to reflect sales behavior, ensuring strategic norm fills.

Performance Optimization:

• Lead sell-thru management initiatives, employing tactics to increase the movement of Fast Moving Styles (FMS) and effectively address Slow Moving Styles (SMS).
• Take charge of End of Season Sale (EOSS) management to maximize lifecycle profitability.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience in merchandising, category management, or related roles within the retail industry.
• Proficient in retail analytics and comfortable using data to inform purchasing and inventory decisions.
• Adept in financial planning, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Strong negotiation and collaboration skills, capable of working with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
• Passionate about women's ethnic wear and have a pulse on current and emerging market trends.

What We Offer:

• A role that is central to the company's growth, with direct impact on strategic decisions.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment where every team member's contribution is valued.
• A platform to excel in a dynamic market, bringing order to chaos with a rapidly growing brand.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and a chance to grow professionally in a startup culture.