A Category Manager oversees the strategy, placement, pricing, and promotion of a specific product category to maximize sales and profitability, analyzing market and consumer data, managing vendor relationships, developing merchandising plans, and collaborating with marketing and sales teams to improve product visibility and appeal. 

Key Responsibilities

• Market & Consumer Analysis: Research industry trends, competitor activity, and consumer needs to identify opportunities and potential new products. 
• Strategy Development: Create and implement long-term strategies for the assigned product category, including pricing, promotion, and product assortment. 
• Vendor Management: Negotiate with suppliers for optimal delivery, payment terms, and foster strong relationships to ensure product availability and quality. 
• Merchandising: Develop and execute merchandising plans, including product placement, shelf layouts, and retail displays to optimize consumer appeal. 
• Sales & Performance Tracking: Analyze sales data, track customer purchasing habits, and monitor performance indicators to measure demand and identify areas for improvement. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with sales, marketing, and product management teams to align category strategies and drive sales initiatives. 
• Inventory Control: Manage inventory levels to ensure product availability and reduce waste. 

Key Skills

• Analytical & Data Interpretation: Strong ability to analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer research to make informed decisions. 
• Negotiation & Communication: Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to build strong vendor relationships and present strategies. 
• Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement long-term plans for product categories, considering pricing, promotion, and product range. 
• Marketing & Sales Principles: A strong understanding of marketing and sales principles to drive category appeal and sales performance. 
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Critical thinking and decision-making skills to identify challenges and implement solutions to improve performance. 

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, supply chain, or a related field is typically required. 
• Experience: Work experience in retail, sales, marketing, procurement, or product management is often preferred. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with data analysis tools like Microsoft Excel, and potentially Google Analytics or Power BI.