Key Responsibilities
1. Category Strategy & Planning:
- Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business goals.
- Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to make data-driven decisions.
- Identify new product opportunities and improve existing assortments.
2. Buying & Vendor Management:
- In cases requiring deeper involvement, participate in vendor negotiations and factory interactions.
- Work closely with suppliers to optimize costs, terms, and product availability.
- Ensure supplier relationships align with quality, compliance, and ethical sourcing standards.
3. Merchandising & Inventory Management:
- Oversee the merchandising team to ensure effective product placement, visual merchandising, and stock rotation.
- Manage stock levels, demand planning, and replenishment strategies to reduce stock-outs and overstocking.
- Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams for timely product availability.
4. Sales & Performance Analysis:
- Track category performance using key metrics such as sales, margins, stock turns, and profitability.
- Generate reports and insights to optimize category performance.
- Adjust pricing, promotions, and assortment strategies based on sales performance and market feedback.
5. Team Leadership & Coordination:
- Lead a team of merchandisers, ensuring alignment with category goals.
- Provide training and development to enhance team capabilities in merchandising and buying functions.
Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance to drive category success.