Senior Manager - Category

Objective: The Sr. Manager Category is responsible for formulating and executing end-to-end category strategies across buying, pricing, assortment, and inventory planning, while leading a high-performing team of merchandisers and category managers. The role ensures alignment with business objectives, drives revenue and margin growth, and serves as a key interface with brand partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. Key Responsibility: Category Strategy & Business Planning Define and implement long-term category strategies in line with overall commercial goals and consumer trends. Drive the annual business planning process for the category, including sales, margin, assortment, and promotional targets. Identify whitespace opportunities, assortment gaps, and initiatives to enhance customer value propositions. Conduct periodic SWOT analysis, competitor benchmarking, and market scans to guide decision-making. Buying, Vendor & Brand Management Oversee the category buying lifecycle, ensuring timely product selections, order placements, and range architecture. Negotiate directly with key vendors and principals to secure optimal pricing, margins, and exclusive collections. Ensure adherence to sourcing, quality, compliance, and ethical standards across all vendor interactions. Act as the primary commercial interface for brand partners, facilitating alignment on merchandising and sales objectives. Merchandising & Inventory Optimization Lead the merchandising function for the category, focusing on effective in-store and online product presentation. Establish demand forecasting, open-to-buy planning, and replenishment parameters to balance stock health. Monitor category sell-through, stock ageing, and markdown strategies to protect margin and reduce inventory risk. Coordinate closely with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability and flow. Performance Management & Reporting Track and analyze key category KPIs including sales, gross margin, contribution, stock turns, and GMROI. Develop actionable insights and dashboards to guide tactical decisions and executive reporting. Lead monthly and quarterly reviews with business heads and brand leadership to assess performance and course correct. Team Development & Cross-functional Collaboration Lead and mentor a team of Category Managers, Merchandisers, and Analysts, promoting a culture of accountability and growth. Drive cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Visual Merchandising to execute category plans effectively. Facilitate training, knowledge sharing, and succession planning to build bench strength within the category team. Desired Experience: 12–15 years of progressive experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the retail or fashion industry. Minimum 5 years in a managerial capacity, leading cross-functional teams and delivering strategic business outcomes. Proven success in managing category P&L, assortment strategies, pricing decisions, and vendor partnerships. Strong expertise in inventory management, stock planning, and data-driven decision-making. Demonstrated ability to negotiate with international and regional vendors, brand principals, and suppliers. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred.

12–15 years of progressive experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the retail or fashion industry. Minimum 5 years in a managerial capacity, leading cross-functional teams and delivering strategic business outcomes. Proven success in managing category P&L, assortment strategies, pricing decisions, and vendor partnerships. Strong expertise in inventory management, stock planning, and data-driven decision-making. Demonstrated ability to negotiate with international and regional vendors, brand principals, and suppliers. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred.

Category Strategy & Business Planning: Define and implement long-term category strategies in line with overall commercial goals and consumer trends. Drive the annual business planning process for the category, including sales, margin, assortment, and promotional targets. Identify whitespace opportunities, assortment gaps, and initiatives to enhance customer value propositions. Conduct periodic SWOT analysis, competitor benchmarking, and market scans to guide decision-making. Buy, Vendor & Brand Management: Oversee the category buying lifecycle, ensuring timely product selections, order placements, and range architecture. Negotiate directly with key vendors and principals to secure optimal pricing, margins, and exclusive collections. Ensure adherence to sourcing, quality, compliance, and ethical standards across all vendor interactions. Act as the primary commercial interface for brand partners, facilitating alignment on merchandising and sales objectives. Merchandising & Inventory Optimization: Lead the merchandising function for the category, focusing on effective in-store and online product presentation. Establish demand forecasting, open-to-buy planning, and replenishment parameters to balance stock health. Monitor category sell-through, stock ageing, and markdown strategies to protect margin and reduce inventory risk. Coordinate closely with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability and flow. Performance Management & Reporting: Track and analyze key category KPIs including sales, gross margin, contribution, stock turns, and GMROI. Develop actionable insights and dashboards to guide tactical decisions and executive reporting. Lead monthly and quarterly reviews with business heads and brand leadership to assess performance and course correct. Team Development & Cross-functional Collaboration: Lead and mentor a team of Category Managers, Merchandisers, and Analysts, promoting a culture of accountability and growth. Drive cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Visual Merchandising to execute category plans effectively. Facilitate training, knowledge sharing, and succession planning to build bench strength within the category team.