Category Manager

Job Overview: 

The Category Manager is responsible for the sales optimization of a particular assigned group of products. He/she is involved in vendor management, pricing, marketing, and inventory fields 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Strategy, Planning & Product Management: 

• Plan and implement long-term development strategies for product categories in accordance with the corporate annual business plan and objectives 

• Assist in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, presenting recommendations, and implementing programs that will bring additional operational effectiveness  

• Handle the brand management for developed brands, and exclusive brands 

• Identify and select differentiated and exclusive offerings, services, exclusive brands, and promotions 

• Strategize positioning of a product to maximize its visibility 

• Execute and manage through directions on product assortment/ selection related to the concept of the store  

• Provide feedback on positioning related to competitors 

• Manage stock and service levels, product movement and aging, product ranging and allocations 

• Assist in developing merchandizing layouts for departments, each branch individually according to market trends, consumer behavior and customer demographics 

• Conduct occasional Branches visits 

• Be attentive to health and safety regulations  

Collaboration & Coordination: 

• Collaborate with Marketing department to ensure that new products reach the right markets at the optimal time 

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors that involves negotiating and purchasing of the products 

• Develop supplier contracts, managing payment terms, rebates, periodic discounts, supplier’s promotional support, marketing activities, availability, shelf space and many other variables 

• Conduct daily and periodic replenishment orders for both local and foreign product supply 

Research, Review & Reporting: 

• Conduct market research to learn about the demand for different goods 

• Attend periodically international conventions to identify trends and procure potential products and brand 

• Implement periodic category reviews on all levels (product, space, brand, supplier) as a tool to monitor performance and achieve targets  

• Research and analyze data and market insights that supports information about market, consumer, and category trends during the given period 

• Search for insights into consumer needs and wants 

• Range study according to category performance 

• Initiate regular a statistical study of each vendor’s profit and loss (P&L) according to the variables in order to monitor performance 

• Report to superior unsuccessful products for action taking  

• Allocate other income resources for each department according to its potential, and periodic growth 

• Implement accurately set promotional guidelines, product selection criteria and pricing guidelines