Objective:
This position is responsible for end-to-end management of product categories under the Push/Pull model, ensuring the right product mix, pricing, and stock availability to drive sales and profitability. The role plays a critical part in overseeing merchandising operations and acts as a key liaison in supporting or replacing buyers when required.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Category Strategy & Planning:
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
- Analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitive insights to support data-driven decision-making.
- Identify growth opportunities through new product introductions and optimization of 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.
Desired Experience:
- 6-8 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the retail industry.
- Strong skills in assortment planning, vendor management, and inventory control.
- Proven ability to analyze data and drive category performance.
- Experience in leading cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, marketing, and operations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, or a related field