Grocery/HBC Category Manager

As the Grocery/HBC Category Manager, you will lead strategic planning, procurement, and management of our grocery and health/beauty product categories. This pivotal role focuses on maximizing profits through a diverse, competitive product selection aligned with consumer demand and market trends. You will develop comprehensive category strategies and oversee inventory, pricing, and floor planning to drive sales and overall business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Create comprehensive annual/quarterly category plans to achieve profit and growth objectives. Lead critical path meetings to ensure timely execution.
• Performance Analytics: Analyze sales, market data, and trends to forecast demand and measure performance against KPIs. Adjust strategies to meet targets and changing conditions.
• Vendor Relations: Partner with our Buying team to negotiate optimal prices, quality, and terms with suppliers. Manage performance to problem-solve issues and ensure contract compliance.
• Inventory Optimization: Precisely plan inventory levels and budget spending allocation using stock planning and open-to-buy tools.
• Implement markdown strategies for improved turnover and margins.
• Merchandising Execution: Collaborate on visually appealing, results-driven seasonal store/department plans. Oversee stock allocations for on-shelf availability and maximum visibility.
• Promotional Management: Develop promotions with Marketing to boost awareness and sales. Monitor initiatives and refine approaches based on learnings.
• Team Leadership: Coach and develop Buyers and Category Specialists through regular feedback, support, and performance reviews.
• Communication: Share category insights, metrics, trends, and priorities across departments through active participation in meetings and reports.
• Compliance Reporting: Maintain adherence to policies and regulations. Present executive-level reports highlighting achievements and areas for development.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations, or relevant field with 5+ years retail category management experience.
• Proven track record developing and implementing successful procurement and inventory strategies.
• Expert analytical and financial modeling skills to forecast demand and measure performance.
• Exemplary negotiation, communication, and relationship management abilities.
• Strong leadership to motivate high-performing teams through change and goal achievement.
• Proficiency using retail software and tools like SAP,demand planning, markdown optimization.