Associate Director - Category

The Associate Director - Category will lead the strategic development and execution of category and assortment strategies across key business verticals. You'll own end-to-end P&L accountability, drive supplier partnerships, manage category performance, and ensure the right product mix and pricing to achieve growth, margin, and customer experience goals.

This is a high-impact, cross-functional role ideal for professionals who thrive in fast-paced, data-driven, and entrepreneurial environments.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning: Develop and implement category strategies aligned with company objectives, consumer trends, and market opportunities.

Assortment & Buying: Curate and optimize the right assortment mix. Drive selection expansion and negotiate with brands/vendors for commercial terms, pricing, and promotions.

P&L Ownership: Manage category-level profitability including revenue growth, margin optimization, and inventory efficiency.

Vendor & Brand Partnerships: Identify, onboard, and manage key suppliers and brands to ensure long-term relationships and joint business planning.

Consumer Insights & Analytics: Use data and insights to drive demand forecasting, pricing strategy, and promotional planning.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Product, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to achieve strategic category goals and deliver exceptional customer experience.

Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing team, fostering analytical rigor, ownership, and innovation.

Desired Skills & Experience:

- 6-10 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising-preferably in fast-moving consumer categories (e-commerce, D2C, retail, FMCG).

- Proven track record of managing category P&L, assortment expansion, and vendor development.

- Strong business acumen with analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning abilities.

- Deep understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and pricing structures.

- Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, analytics tools, and marketplace management platforms.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-scaling, entrepreneurial environment with high ownership.

Education:

- MBA or equivalent degree in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain preferred.

What We Offer?

- Opportunity to lead a high-growth category portfolio in a fast-scaling tech-led consumer platform.

- Collaborative, meritocratic environment with strong learning and leadership exposure.

- Competitive compensation and ESOP opportunities.