CarDekho.com - Category Manager (5-7 yrs)

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to join our growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the strategy, execution, and performance of specific product categories. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, supply chain, and procurement, to ensure that the category is well-positioned to drive revenue, optimize profitability, and meet customer demand.

As a Category Manager, you will use your expertise to analyze market trends, assess competitive landscapes, and define and execute category plans to improve product assortment, pricing strategies, and sales performance. You will also be responsible for developing and maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring that product categories align with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

- Category Strategy: Develop and implement category strategies to meet business objectives, ensuring the alignment of product offerings with market demand and customer preferences.

- Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire product lifecycle from selection, development, and launch, to optimization and exit strategies. Ensure product categories remain competitive and relevant.

- Sales Performance: Analyze and monitor sales performance and identify key opportunities for growth. Develop strategies to increase sales and profitability across the assigned categories.

- Market Analysis: Conduct comprehensive market research to understand customer needs, market trends, and competitor activities. Use insights to optimize product assortment and pricing.

- Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve optimal outcomes for the category.

- Pricing & Promotions: Develop and implement pricing strategies that maximize profitability while remaining competitive in the marketplace. Work with marketing teams to create promotions and marketing campaigns to support category growth.

- Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels to ensure an adequate supply of products. Work closely with supply chain teams to optimize stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and manage stockouts.

- Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, finance, and operations, to ensure category strategies are aligned with overall business goals and objectives.

- Budget Management: Manage category budgets effectively to ensure spending aligns with targets. Track and report category performance against budgetary goals.

- Customer Focus: Monitor customer feedback and market trends to ensure that the product categories meet evolving customer needs and expectations.

- Reporting & Analytics: Provide regular reports on category performance, including sales, margin, and stock levels.

- Use data to make informed decisions and adjust strategies as necessary.

Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. MBA or relevant certifications are a plus.

- Experience: 5-7 years of experience in category management, product management, or retail management with a proven track record of delivering results in similar roles.

- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make strategic decisions based on market insights. Proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools.

- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present data and insights to senior management and stakeholders clearly and effectively.

- Negotiation Skills: Proven experience in negotiating with suppliers and vendors to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.

- Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

- Customer-Centric: A deep understanding of customer needs and market trends, with the ability to align product strategies with customer demand.

- Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with category management software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and e-commerce platforms.

Additional Skills (Preferred):

- Experience in [specific industry, e.g., retail, e-commerce, FMCG, etc.].

- Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

- Knowledge of supply chain management principles.

- Experience with omni-channel retailing or digital commerce.

- Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Why Join Us?

- Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a collaborative and fast-paced company that thrives on innovation and customer success.

- Career Growth: Take on new challenges and responsibilities in a growing organization with significant opportunities for career development.

- Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive salary, benefits package, and performance-based incentives.

- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment