Category Manager

Role Description

• Strategic Planning and Execution: The Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies for product categories. This includes analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive activities to create actionable plans that enhance category performance and profitability.

• Product Assortment Management: They oversee the selection and curation of products within their category, ensuring that the assortment aligns with market demand and consumer preferences. This involves determining which products to introduce or phase out based on performance metrics and market research.

• Pricing and Promotion Strategies: The Category Manager develops pricing strategies that maximize consumer appeal while ensuring competitiveness in the marketplace. They also plan promotional activities to boost sales, collaborating closely with marketing teams to execute these strategies effectively.

• Vendor Relationship Management: Building strong relationships with suppliers in Manufacturing and sub verticals is essential. The Category Manager negotiates terms, pricing, and promotional support with vendors to secure favorable conditions for procurement and ensure product quality and availability.

• Performance Monitoring and Analytics: Continuous monitoring of category performance against sales targets is critical. The Category Manager analyzes sales data, inventory levels, and market trends to make informed decisions that drive growth. They are also responsible for preparing performance reports for senior management.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires close collaboration with various departments such as marketing, sales, supply chain, and merchandising. The Category Manager works to ensure that all aspects of the category strategy are aligned across the organization.

• Team Leadership: In many cases, the Category Manager manages a team of category executives or specialists. They are responsible for mentoring, developing talent within their team, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the overall category strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
• Several years of experience in category management (Manufacturing/ Automobile/ Electronic/ Textile etc.,) or a similar role within an B2B e-commerce environment
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and market trends effectively.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to manage vendor relationships and collaborate across teams.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to develop long-term plans while being adaptable to changing market conditions.