Category Manager

Roles and responsibilities

Innovative SKU Onboarding:

• Scout and onboard unique and innovative SKUs that align with market demand and our strategic priorities.
• Build a pipeline of emerging products and niche offerings, diversifying our catalog and improving customer acquisition and retention.
  

Strategic Partnerships:

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships with key players in the grocery, FMCG, and food tech industries.
• Negotiate terms and establish long-term collaborations with local and international brands to enhance our product range and market reach.
  

Supplier Collaboration & Product Development:

• Work closely with suppliers to co-develop exclusive products and packaging that cater to current and future customer preferences.
• Drive initiatives with suppliers that contribute to product differentiation and align with our sustainability and innovation goals.
  

Market & Trend Analysis:

• Conduct regular market research to stay ahead of global consumer trends, identifying potential product opportunities and category expansions.
• Develop and present recommendations on product innovations and emerging trends to internal teams, influencing assortment strategy.
  

Innovation Pipeline Management:

• Lead the development and management of a product innovation pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of new offerings that resonate with our target audience.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, category management, and operations to ensure successful product launches.
  

Performance Tracking & Optimization:

• Monitor the performance of onboarded SKUs and partnerships, leveraging data insights to refine strategies and achieve optimal sales and profitability.
• Optimize supplier agreements and product pricing to maintain competitive advantage while ensuring profitability.Innovative SKU Onboarding:
• Scout and onboard unique and innovative SKUs that align with market demand and our strategic priorities.
• Build a pipeline of emerging products and niche offerings, diversifying our catalog and improving customer acquisition and retention.

Desired candidate profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, preferably within the FMCG, retail, or online grocery sector.
• Proven track record in onboarding new products and managing strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and e-commerce dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Analytical mindset with experience in using data to drive business decisions.

• 1. Strategic Thinking

• Ability to create long-term strategies for the product category, aligning with overall company goals.
• Identifying market trends and customer demands to forecast future product needs.
• Analyzing competitor strategies and positioning to create a competitive advantage.

• 2. Market Research and Analysis

• Conducting market research to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor activities.
• Analyzing sales data and performance metrics to optimize product offerings.
• Evaluating product lifecycles, market positioning, and pricing strategies.

• 3. Product Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of the products within the category, including features, benefits, and target customers.
• Keeping up to date with product developments, innovations, and emerging trends in the industry.
• Collaborating with product development teams to improve or create new products.

• 4. Financial Acumen

• Managing category budgets, pricing strategies, and cost structures.
• Setting sales targets and profitability goals for the product category.
• Conducting cost-benefit analyses to ensure pricing, margins, and product strategies are financially sound.

• 5. Negotiation Skills

• Negotiating with suppliers and vendors on pricing, product availability, and terms of contract.
• Securing favorable terms to maximize profitability while ensuring product quality and availability.
• Managing supplier relationships to ensure efficient product sourcing and timely deliveries.

• 6. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Working closely with sales, marketing, logistics, and inventory teams to ensure products are well-promoted, available, and aligned with customer demands.
• Coordinating with the marketing team for product promotions, campaigns, and advertising.
• Collaborating with the supply chain and logistics teams to manage inventory levels and stock control.