ShopKirana - Head - Category Manager

Job Title: Head - Category Manager

Location: Bangalore / Indore

Industry: FMCG / E-commerce / Retail / B2B 10-15+ Years

Job Description:

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Category Manager to take full ownership of the procurement function for a key category within our business. This leadership role demands a strategic thinker with strong operational capabilities to drive category growth and profitability by partnering closely with P&L leadership and cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will manage a procurement team, build strong external partnerships with brands and vendors, and deliver optimized product mix and pricing strategies to maximize category performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Category Procurement & Product Planning

- Lead the entire procurement lifecycle including brand partnerships, vendor negotiations, distribution purchases, and inventory planning.

- Collaborate with P&L leadership to align procurement strategies with overall business goals and financial targets.

- Develop and execute category-specific product mix strategies that maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

- Ensure inventory fulfillment meets demand forecasts, avoiding stockouts and excess inventory.

2. Cross-Functional Coordination & Execution

- Work closely with Sales, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to ensure seamless backend execution, including inventory planning, dispatch readiness, pricing strategies, and product availability.

- Facilitate efficient communication and coordination across departments to support timely and cost-effective delivery of category goals.

3. Stakeholder & Vendor Management

- Serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) for brand partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

- Manage vendor relationships to negotiate the best commercial terms and secure strategic partnerships.

- Resolve procurement-related issues proactively to maintain smooth operations and business continuity.

4. Procurement Plan Implementation & Sales Alignment

- Lead the implementation of detailed procurement plans and product mix designs in line with market demand and business priorities.

- Collaborate with the Sales team to influence and achieve category sales targets through product availability and pricing optimization.

- Monitor monthly procurement plans, adjusting as necessary to meet evolving business needs.

5. Performance Monitoring & Process Optimization

- Track and analyze key category performance metrics including sales, margins, product mix, fill rates, and return rates.

- Utilize data-driven insights to identify improvement opportunities and implement process enhancements to boost efficiency and profitability.

6. Reporting & Business Insights

- Prepare and present periodic business performance reports to senior leadership, highlighting category trends, challenges, and opportunities.

- Provide actionable insights to inform procurement strategies, pricing decisions, and future category development plans.

Ideal Candidate Profile

- Experience: 10-15+ years in Category Management, Procurement, or Strategic Sourcing within FMCG, E-commerce, Retail, or B2B distribution industries.

- Category Expertise: Strong preference for candidates with experience in Home & Personal Care (HPC) and Non-Food categories.

- Leadership: Proven experience leading procurement or category teams, driving cross-functional initiatives, and managing P&L accountability.

- Commercial Acumen: Skilled negotiator with a track record of establishing beneficial brand partnerships and delivering cost savings without compromising quality or service.

- Analytical Skills: Proficient in leveraging data and analytics to optimize product mix, pricing, and inventory decisions.

- Communication: Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, adept at liaising with internal teams and external partners.

- Education: Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, Commerce, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.