Senior Category Manager - FMCG Retail Newleap Nestor LLP

About Newleap Nestor LLP

Job Description

Job Summary: Sr. Category manager (focus on Buying ) Reporting to GM Retail Ops. Six days working week Experience: 8+ years of experience as a Buyer or Category Manager in a retail (FMCG/Grocery preferred) or commercial environment. Responsibilities: Buy, range, and manage the category based on the demands and expectations of our customers. Develop the category strategy (business plan) annually and review quarterly, aligning with overall strategic objectives. Prepare the annual category budget with Finance input and manage the category's financial performance. Ensure fair, consistent, and competitive pricing on all merchandise within the category. Achieve category Sales and Gross Profit Budgets. Provide monthly reporting and ad hoc reviews of category financial performance to key stakeholders. Conduct monthly financial planning and forecasting for the category. Analyze and monitor market activities, identifying potential threats and opportunities for the category. Identify and source new products and suppliers from both India and overseas. Consolidate the number of suppliers for existing products where commercially appropriate, ensuring quality and competitive pricing. Evaluate products to be ranged and deleted based on performance, market trends, and customer demand. Negotiate and set up buyer contracts and negotiate promotional plans and rebates with suppliers. Ensure all deadlines are met for the category in all areas, including product launches, promotions, and reporting. Manage the launch of new products into the market to ensure first-to-market for all critical new lines. Conduct regular range reviews to optimize product assortment and maximize sales. Work with the buying team to develop item-level and promotional forecasting. Manage the open-to-buy (OTB) for the category, ensuring efficient inventory management. Update and adjust store and promotional models based on performance data and market trends. Respond to customer complaints regarding category products, working to resolve issues and improve customer satisfaction. Select products to be promoted in conjunction with the buying team. Prepare advertising submissions and attend relevant meetings to brief the advertising agency on category promotions. Check advertised offers to ensure adequate stock to cover promotional demand. Analyze the effectiveness of promotions and make recommendations for future improvements. Ensure Buying processes and policies are implemented with regard to pricing, recalling of stock, advertising, and the introduction of new lines. Required Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely. Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing favorable terms with suppliers. Accurate numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data effectively. Strong analytical ability to synthesize information into actionable objectives, planning, and outcomes. Good fundamental understanding of analytical & communication tools (e.g., Excel, data visualization software). Ability to generate actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders. Capable of managing complex project management tasks effectively. Data-driven thinking focused on using data for decision-making. Highly creative approach to problem-solving in category management. Strong collaborative & growth mindset for effective teamwork. Strong people management skills with an ability to lead a team. Job Type: Full-time Schedule: Day shift Application Question(s): Please mention the current CTC in LPA and Notice period in days Experience: Buying diffrent categories for Retail: 6 years (Preferred) Category management - Retail: 8 years (Preferred) Work Location: In person,