Zepto - Associate Director - Category Management (4-11 yrs)

Our Story:

Zepto is a leading player in India's quick commerce sector, recently valued at $3.6 billion following a successful $665 million funding round. As we scale up our operations and double our count of dark stores to 700, we're on a mission to revolutionize the delivery of both everyday essentials and big-ticket items. With plans to go public next year, we're looking for top talent to join our innovative team.

Your Role:

- We are seeking a skilled and motivated Buyer to join our Category division.

- This role is essential in curating a diverse and compelling product assortment that meets our customers' needs and drives category growth.

- The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the market, strong analytical skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and brands.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Assortment:

- Source and select a wide range of products that align with our category strategy and meet customer demands.

- Conduct market research to identify new trends, product opportunities, and competitive offerings.

- Develop and maintain a well-balanced and profitable product assortment.

2. Supplier Relationship Management:

- Establish and nurture strong relationships with suppliers, brands, and manufacturers.

- Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure favorable deals and exclusivity where possible.

- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and high-quality standards of products.

3. Inventory Management:

- Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize excess inventory.

- Analyze sales data and forecast demand to make informed purchasing decisions.

- Implement strategies to manage slow-moving inventory and reduce obsolescence.

4. Sales and Marketing Collaboration:

- Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies that drive product visibility and sales.

- Provide input on marketing campaigns, events, and promotions to maximize impact and reach.

- Coordinate with the merchandising team to ensure effective product placement and presentation.

5. Financial Management:

- Manage the buying budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and achievement of financial targets.

- Analyze financial reports to assess product performance and profitability.

- Implement corrective actions to address any variances and optimize financial outcomes.

6. Customer Focus:

- Champion a customer-centric approach in all buying decisions, ensuring products meet customer expectations and preferences.

- Utilize customer feedback and insights to refine product assortment and enhance the shopping experience.

- Ensure the highest standards of quality and satisfaction in all purchased products.

What We're Looking For?

- Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

- Proven track record of successful product selection and supplier negotiations.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- Deep understanding of category trends and consumer behavior.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Proficiency in using buying and inventory management software.

Why Join Us?

- Zepto is on a blitzscaling path unlike any other startup today. Be the digital flagbearer for demand in this journey.

- The opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing unicorns is rare. Also, we're giving our team strong equity to create lasting wealth as our company grows.