Category Head- FMCG

Reporting to GM Retail Ops.
Six days working week

Experience: 8+ years of experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in a retail (FMCG/Grocery preferred) or commercial environment.

Responsibilities:
- Buy, range, and manage the category based on the demands and expectations of our customers.
- Develop the category strategy (business plan) annually and review quarterly, aligning with overall strategic objectives.
- Prepare the annual category budget with Finance input and manage the category's financial performance.
- Ensure fair, consistent, and competitive pricing on all merchandise within the category.
- Achieve category Sales and Gross Profit Budgets.
- Provide monthly reporting and ad hoc reviews of category financial performance to key stakeholders.
- Conduct monthly financial planning and forecasting for the category.
- Analyze and monitor market activities, identifying potential threats and opportunities for the category.
- Identify and source new products and suppliers from both India and overseas. Consolidate the number of suppliers for existing products where commercially appropriate, ensuring quality and competitive pricing.
- Evaluate products to be ranged and deleted based on performance, market trends, and customer demand.
- Negotiate and set up buyer contracts and negotiate promotional plans and rebates with suppliers.
- Ensure all deadlines are met for the category in all areas, including product launches, promotions, and reporting.
- Manage the launch of new products into the market to ensure first-to-market for all critical new lines.
- Conduct regular range reviews to optimize product assortment and maximize sales.
- Work with the buying team to develop item-level and promotional forecasting.
- Manage the open-to-buy (OTB) for the category, ensuring efficient inventory management.
- Update and adjust store and promotional models based on performance data and market trends.
- Respond to customer complaints regarding category products, working to resolve issues and improve customer satisfaction.
- Select products to be promoted in conjunction with the buying team.
- Prepare advertising submissions and attend relevant meetings to brief the advertising agency on category promotions.
- Check advertised offers to ensure adequate stock to cover promotional demand.
- Analyze the effectiveness of promotions and make recommendations for future improvements.
- Ensure Buying processes and policies are implemented with regard to pricing, recalling of stock, advertising, and the introduction of new lines.

Required Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.
- Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing favorable terms with suppliers.
- Accurate numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data effectively.
- Strong analytical ability to synthesize information into actionable objectives, planning, and outcomes.
- Good fundamental understanding of analytical & communication tools (e.g., Excel, data visualization software).
- Ability to generate actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
- Capable of managing complex project management tasks effectively.
- Data-driven thinking focused on using data for decision-making.
- Highly creative approach to problem-solving in category management.
- Strong collaborative & growth mindset for effective teamwork.
- Strong people management skills with an ability to lead a team.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹918, ₹2,237,634.32 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Provident Fund

Application Question(s):

• Please mention CTC and Notice period

Experience:

• Category management: 8 years (Preferred)
• Buyer -FMCG retail: 8 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person