Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager – Product Sourcing Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan (On-site) Brands: HIPPO & Awnopy Experience: 3–4 years in sourcing, category management, or product development within the home furnishing or allied consumer goods sector. About the Company HIPPO and Awnopy are fast-growing Indian brands specializing in outdoor and indoor protection products—ranging from shade solutions, blinds, awnings, and lifestyle accessories. Both brands aim to blend functionality with design, offering value-driven, durable, and aesthetic products for modern living. We are expanding our product development and sourcing capabilities and are seeking a proactive, analytical, and creative Category Manager – Product Sourcing to join our team in Jaipur. Position Overview The Category Manager – Product Sourcing  will be responsible for identifying new product opportunities, developing sourcing strategies, and managing end-to-end product development cycles. The role requires a balance of creativity, business acumen, market understanding, and negotiation expertise to ensure successful product commercialization. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of sourcing, supply chain operations, product pricing, and consumer demand trends—especially within the home furnishing and lifestyle  categories. Key Responsibilities 1. Product Ideation & Development Identify new product categories and opportunities aligned with brand vision, seasonal trends, and consumer insights. Conduct in-depth product research to assess feasibility, design direction, and potential market performance. Collaborate with design and technical teams to convert concepts into commercially viable products. Ensure all new product developments meet cost targets, quality standards, and brand identity. 2 . Forecasting & Planning Collaborate closely with the sales, marketing, and operations teams to project category-wise demand based on market trends, past sales data, and seasonal variations. Prepare detailed sales forecasts and category plans to support inventory, procurement, and production decisions. Track sell-through rates, reorder patterns, and product lifecycle performance to ensure optimal stock availability and turnover. Develop pricing strategies in line with cost structures, competition, and consumer perception to maintain healthy margins and brand positioning. Work with finance and supply chain teams to align purchasing budgets, payment schedules, and inventory holding targets. Monitor lead times, logistics schedules, and supplier delivery performance to ensure timely product launches and replenishments. Utilize analytical tools and dashboards to generate actionable insights for category performance reviews and decision-making. 3. Strategic Contribution Participate in long-term category planning, pricing strategy, and product roadmap discussions. Recommend new market segments and product lines for expansion. Stay updated on industry developments, sustainability trends, and innovative sourcing practices. 4. Market & Buyer Analysis Conduct market intelligence studies to understand emerging trends, consumer preferences, and competitor strategies. Evaluate existing product performance through sales data, feedback, and market response. Recommend product improvements or replacements based on data-driven insights. Create category strategies that align with brand goals and consumer behavior. 5. Sourcing & Vendor Management Develop, evaluate, and maintain relationships with domestic and international suppliers. Source new materials, components, and manufacturing partners as per product and quality requirements. Conduct supplier audits and capacity evaluations to ensure compliance and reliability. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and logistics for optimal supply chain efficiency. Continuously explore cost optimization opportunities without compromising product integrity. Desired Candidate Profile Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field. 3–4 years of proven experience in product sourcing, category management, or merchandising , preferably in home furnishings, outdoor products, or consumer lifestyle goods. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills with a network of reliable suppliers. Excellent analytical, planning, and decision-making abilities. Proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and category reporting tools. Strong understanding of market dynamics, costing structures, and product life cycles. Ability to work cross-functionally with design, marketing, and logistics teams. Willingness to relocate to Jaipur  and operate from the company’s head office. Key Competencies Strategic and creative thinking Strong communication and interpersonal skills Commercial acumen and market foresight Detail-oriented approach with multitasking capability Accountability and ownership mindset What We Offer Opportunity to shape the sourcing and product development strategy of two growing consumer brands. Exposure to national and international sourcing networks. A collaborative, design-driven, and growth-oriented work culture. Competitive remuneration based on experience and capability. All the interested candidates can leave their resume here. Thanks, Nikita Khandelwal Director RAD Global Private Limited