Position : Category Manager - Pharma

Organization : Apollo Pharmacies Ltd

Location : Hyderabad

Reporting to : Category Head - Pharma

Experience : 1-4 years

CTC: INR 12-15 Lakhs per annum

Role Overview:

The Category Manager - Pharma will work in close coordination with the Category Head, operations, marketing, technology and supply chain teams to drive execution of in-store initiatives, manage and deliver on Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with pharmaceutical brands, and drive strategy and growth initiatives to improve category performance across a network of ~7000 stores.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Driving category performance:

- Performance tracking and turnaround: Monitor regional, store, and category performance metrics to highlight variations and develop and implement action plans in collaboration with functional and regional teams

- KPI Monitoring: Track key category metrics including turnover, margins, and discounting patterns

- Management Reporting: Prepare regular performance reports and presentations for the leadership team

2. In-Store Initiative Execution:

- Performance Improvement: Identify low-performing stores and implement targeted intervention strategies

- Store Initiatives Implementation: Drive execution of category-specific initiatives across the store network in collaboration with operations teams

- Store Staff Enablement: Support training programs for store staff on specialty therapy areas and category focus

3. Joint Business Plan (JBP) Management:

- Partnership Execution: Drive implementation of JBPs with pharmaceutical companies while managing activation, adherence programs, co-marketing initiatives, and exclusive launches with pharma partners

- Stakeholder Coordination: Interface with internal teams (procurement, operations, marketing) and external partners

- Performance Tracking: Monitor JBP outcomes and ensure alignment with growth objectives

4. Supply Chain Coordination:

- Fill Rate Monitoring: Track fill rates at brand, category, store, and regional levels; escalate supply issues and coordinate with supply chain team for corrective actions

- Availability Management: Monitor availability of focus SKUs and coordinate with supply chain teams for optimal stock levels.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Initiative Execution: Successful implementation of store toolkits and category initiatives across regions

2. JBP Execution: Effective coordination and implementation of Joint Business Plans with pharma partners

3. Performance Monitoring: Timely identification and escalation of underperforming stores/regions.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Technical Skills:

- Data Monitoring: Proficiency in Excel, data dashboarding (Power BI, Tableau) and SQL; ability to track performance metrics and identify trends

- Presentation: Strong PowerPoint skills for creating business presentations and reports

- Category Understanding: Basic knowledge of retail category KPIs - turnover, margins, discounting, fill rates etc.

- Process Management: Understanding of retail operations and supply chain basics

Soft Skills:

- Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and relationship management skills

- Program Management: Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously with attention to detail

- Problem Solving: Analytical mindset with ability to identify issues and develop solutions

- Collaboration: Strong cross-functional working capability with internal and external teams

Educational Background:

- Degree (preferably in Business, Commerce, Engineering, or related field)

- 1-4 years of relevant experience in category management, supply chain, retail operations, or business operations

- Experience across industries is welcome

- MBA is a plus but not mandatory

- Prior experience in e-commerce startups and D2C brands is a plus

What We Offer:

- Opportunity to work with India's leading pharmacy chain

- Chance to create an impact at scale

- Direct exposure to category management and retail operations

- Career growth in a rapidly expanding healthcare ecosystem

- Collaborative work environment with senior leadership

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are looking for a proactive, execution-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. The ideal candidate should have strong problem-solving capabilities, the ability to develop actionable turnaround strategies, and excel at cross-functional collaboration.-