The Category Manager (FMCG) is responsible for developing and executing the category strategy to drive sales growth, profitability, and overall performance of assigned product categories. This role manages the end-to-end category lifecycle, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, supplier negotiations, and performance analysis.
Key Responsibilities
1. Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop category strategies aligned with business goals to grow sales, margin, and market share.
- Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to optimize category performance.
- Identify opportunities for assortment expansion, new product introductions, and category innovation.
2. Assortment, Pricing & Promotion Management
- Define and manage the product assortment mix based on demand, profitability, and customer behavior.
- Set and monitor pricing strategies to ensure competitiveness and margin achievement.
- Plan and execute promotional calendars, campaigns, and deals in partnership with Marketing and Operations.
- Evaluate promotion effectiveness and optimize future campaigns.
3. Supplier & Vendor Management
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and brand principals.
- Lead commercial negotiations for pricing, trading terms, volume deals, and marketing support.
- Manage vendor performance, including fill rate, service level, and on-time delivery.
- Collaborate with Finance to manage budgets, rebates, and claims.
4. Inventory & Forecasting
- Work closely with Supply Chain and Inventory teams to ensure optimal stock levels.
- Review sales forecasts, demand trends, and purchase plans to prevent overstock or stock-outs.
- Monitor SKU performance and recommend rationalization or discontinuation when needed.
5. Performance Monitoring & Analysis
- Track category KPIs such as sales, margin, GMROI, inventory turnover, and fill rate.
- Conduct regular business reviews and provide insights to senior management.
- Identify growth opportunities and corrective actions to improve category profitability.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing for category campaigns, brand activations, and digital merchandising.
- Work with Operations/Warehouse teams to ensure product availability and quality standards.
- Coordinate with Finance, Supply Chain, and Data teams for planning and reporting activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related fields.
- 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying—preferably in FMCG or retail.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and Excel.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
- Experience in e-commerce or modern trade is an advantage.
