The Category Manager is responsible for the development and execution of category plans to deliver sales, profit and market share targets for an assigned product categories. This role will collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop fact based category strategies that align with customer needs and expectations. The successful candidate will have experience managing a P&L, developing assortment plans, analyzing customer data and driving in-store merchandising initiatives.

Category Manager Job Responsibilities

  • Manage and monitor category sales performance
  • Develop and implement category strategies
  • Conduct regular category reviews to identify opportunities and threats
  • Analyse customer buying patterns and trends
  • Monitor competitor activity and develop countermeasures
  • Liaise with suppliers to ensure product availability and negotiate terms of agreements
  • Develop promotional plans and in store merchandising programs
  • Prepare budgets and track expenditure
  • Monitor stock levels and reorder products as necessary

Objectives

  • To develop and implement category strategies that drive sales, profit and market share growth for the assigned categories.
  • To manage dayto-day category operations including assortment planning, in-stock levels, pricing and promotions.
  • To collaborate with crossfunctional teams including merchandising, marketing, store operations and supply chain to ensure execution of category plans.
  • To perform regular analysis of category performance trends and recommend actions to improve results.
  • To keep abreast of industry trends and competitor activity within the assigned categories and provide input on implications for the business.

Category Manager Job Skills & Qualifications Needed

  • A category manager is a professional who is responsible for managing a particular product or service category within an organization. The role of a category manager is to develop and implement strategies to increase sales and profitability of the products or services in their assigned category.
  • To be successful in this role, a category manager must have strong analytical skills and be able to think strategically. They must also have excellent communication and negotiation skills in order to effectively manage relationships with suppliers. In addition, acategory manager should have experience in product management or marketing.