Associate Director

The Associate Director, Category - Beauty will act as the 'business owner' for assigned beauty categories, driving overall strategy, growth, and profitability. This role requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, team leadership, and cross-functional execution. The ideal candidate will possess a complete understanding of the market, customer needs, and all internal/external variables impacting the business, with the ultimate goal of delivering an unparalleled customer experience and achieving ambitious revenue and profitability targets.Experience - 9 to 13 Years Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & Business OwnershipOwn the Business: Act as the ultimate business owner for assigned categories, possessing a complete understanding (inclusive of the strategic context) of all internal and external variables that impact your business.Performance Management: Own forecasting, monitoring, understanding, and reporting on the business performance. Drive projects and promotions to achieve established business objectives.Growth Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for the assigned category to drive growth, increase market share, and enhance the customer experience.New Opportunities: Create detailed business plans for new category opportunities and develop and execute project plans for the launch of new features, incorporating merchandising and pricing strategies.Commercial & Vendor ManagementSupplier Relations: Guide commercial relationships with suppliers, with a principal objective of achieving optimal cost and performance.Product Lifecycle: Manage the entire product lifecycle, from sourcing and selection to inventory management and clearance.Vendor Relationships: Manage day-to-day supplier/partner relationships, negotiate and secure marketing funds, and oversee supplier/partner contracts.Financial Analysis: Conduct rigorous financial analysis of all business opportunities to meet and exceed revenue and profitability targets.Customer Experience & Cross-Functional LeadershipCustomer Advocacy: Develop a complete understanding of customer needs, both existing and potential. Use this knowledge to advocate for and drive the delivery of site features that provide customers with an unparalleled shopping experience.Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Supply Chain, Tech) and effectively communicate with internal and external parties, while consistently meeting tight deadlines.Team Leadership & DevelopmentTeam Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing team of category professionals.Guidance & Mentorship: Set clear expectations, provide guidance, and offer coaching to team members to achieve business objectives and foster their professional growth.