Category Head

ROLE PURPOSE Category Head- Homeware is responsible for creation of assortment, planning, pricing for three categories under Homeware namely Home Fashion, Kitchen & Tableware and Home Décor. ROLE DESCRIPTION Strategic Planning Set category targets in line with the organizational goals and ensure achievement of same. Develop Buying and Merchandising strategies to achieve category targets. Financial Planning & Management Convert corporate financial plans into category and department plans covering sales, margins, markdown and inventory. Phase sales, margin, markdowns and monitor intakes based on OTB calculations. Assortment Planning Concept centric range planning and range development with clear cut strategic differentiation between sub segments an comprehensive focus on every sub segment to translate it into higher volume driven profit centric business division. Product Selection & Development: Identify and source trending, high-demand, and seasonal products across home décor, kitchenware, crockery, and soft furnishings (curtains, cushions, bedding, etc.). Work with design teams and vendors to develop exclusive or private label ranges. Conduct competitive analysis to ensure product relevance and differentiation. Stay updated with global and local trends in home and kitchen segments. Attend trade fairs, exhibitions, and supplier meetings for new sourcing opportunities. Space Management Work closely with Store Planning and Visual Merchandising teams for planning apt fixtures resulting in increased merchandise intensity and effective visual appeal. Brand Management Work closely with marketing team to influence the marketing plans. Plan promotional activities to build brand loyalty. Retail performance analysis and planning Constant analysis of retail performance by mapping the department performance against all parameters like Sales volume and value targets, Sell-through & stock ideal limit, Product mix sales targets etc. Product management and order execution To consistently achieve higher delivery performance with effective measures on order tracking with emphasis on quicker decision making and problem-solving merchandising management techniques. Vendor management and development Identifying, evaluating and selecting appropriate vendor mix to achieve business objectives Developing an adequate vendor base through active scouting Building and maintaining relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiating the best deals with vendors for procuring merchandise Competition Mapping Reviewing international trends. Tracking competitor developments, merchandise & pricing strategies. Process efficiency and excellence initiative Establishing and laying down for the department the systems and procedures for internal processes as well as buying, sourcing & retailing practices to give a strong foundation to sound department functioning. Team Management & Development Provide clear leadership and motivation to other members of the product team. Develop the skills of all direct reports through balance of training and coaching, and to manage individual performance so that full potential can be realized. Qualification: MBA with 8-10 years’ experience in category management both online and offline. Experience: Competent professional with at least 10 years of qualitative experience in retail sourcing/buying & merchandising, P&L and general management Technical Skills: Conceptualizing and designing product strategy and assortment planning with price hierarchy Effective expertise in cash flow management for sourcing and buying, finding alternative ways in cost savings. Specialist in product design and procurement from within and outside India Behavioral Skills: Result Oriented, Change Management, Excellent communication skills, Critical thinking.