Category Manager

Role Overview

The Category Manager - Pharma will work in close coordination with the Category Head, operations, marketing, technology and supply chain teams to drive execution of in-store initiatives, manage and deliver on Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with pharmaceutical brands, and drive strategy and growth initiatives to improve category performance across a network of ~7000 stores.

Key Responsibilities

1. Driving category performance

• Performance tracking and turnaround: Monitor regional, store, and category performance metrics to highlight variations and develop and implement action plans in collaboration with functional and regional teams
• KPI Monitoring: Track key category metrics including turnover, margins, and discounting patterns
• Management Reporting: Prepare regular performance reports and presentations for the leadership team

2. In-Store Initiative Execution

• Performance Improvement: Identify low-performing stores and implement targeted intervention strategies
• Store Initiatives Implementation: Drive execution of category-specific initiatives across the store network in collaboration with operations teams
• Store Staff Enablement: Support training programs for store staff on specialty therapy areas and category focus

3. Joint Business Plan (JBP) Management

• Partnership Execution: Drive implementation of JBPs with pharmaceutical companies while managing activation, adherence programs, co-marketing initiatives, and exclusive launches with pharma partners
• Stakeholder Coordination: Interface with internal teams (procurement, operations, marketing) and external partners
• Performance Tracking: Monitor JBP outcomes and ensure alignment with growth objectives

4. Supply Chain Coordination

• Fill Rate Monitoring: Track fill rates at brand, category, store, and regional levels; escalate supply issues and coordinate with supply chain team for corrective actions
• Availability Management: Monitor availability of focus SKUs and coordinate with supply chain teams for optimal stock levels

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Initiative Execution: Successful implementation of store toolkits and category initiatives across regions
2. JBP Execution: Effective coordination and implementation of Joint Business Plans with pharma partners
3. Performance Monitoring: Timely identification and escalation of underperforming stores/regions

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Data Monitoring: Proficiency in Excel, data dashboarding (Power BI, Tableau) and SQL; ability to track performance metrics and identify trends
• Presentation: Strong PowerPoint skills for creating business presentations and reports
• Category Understanding: Basic knowledge of retail category KPIs - turnover, margins, discounting, fill rates etc.
• Process Management: Understanding of retail operations and supply chain basics

Soft Skills

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Program Management: Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with attention to detail
• Problem Solving: Analytical mindset with ability to identify issues and develop solutions
• Collaboration: Strong cross-functional working capability with internal and external teams

Educational Background

• Graduate degree (preferably in Business, Commerce, Engineering, or related field)
• 1-4 years of relevant experience in category management, supply chain, retail operations, or business operations
• Experience across industries is welcome
• MBA is a plus but not mandatory
• Prior experience in e-commerce startups and D2C brands is a plus

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work with India's leading pharmacy chain
• Chance to create an impact at scale
• Direct exposure to category management and retail operations
• Career growth in a rapidly expanding healthcare ecosystem
• Collaborative work environment with senior leadership

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proactive, execution-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. The ideal candidate should have strong problem-solving capabilities, the ability to develop actionable turnaround strategies, and excel at cross-functional collaboration.