Category Head - Grocery

We are looking for a commercially driven Category Head - Grocery to own end-to-end category performance including sales, margins, assortment strategy, buying, demand forecasting, replenishment, and inventory control.

This is a high-impact role with full P&L and working capital accountability, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, lean retail environment.

What You'll Own:

- Category revenue & gross margins

- Assortment strategy (core, seasonal, premium, private label)

- Buying & vendor negotiations

- Pricing & promotion planning

- Demand forecasting & replenishment planning

- Inventory health & working capital optimization

- On-shelf availability & stock turn improvement

Key Responsibilities:

- Drive category growth and profitability

- Develop SKU-level sales forecasts (weekly/monthly)

- Plan purchase quantities based on demand, seasonality & promotions

- Maintain optimal stock levels (Weeks of Cover targets)

- Reduce stock-outs, overstock & expiry losses

- Negotiate commercial terms, rebates & promotional funding

- Monitor supplier fill rates & performance

- Track key metrics: Sales Growth, Margin %, OSA %, Stock Turns, GMROI

What We're Looking For:

- 10-15 years of grocery / FMCG / retail category experience

- Strong buying & vendor negotiation background

- Proven forecasting & inventory planning expertise

- Strong analytical skills (Advanced Excel / ERP)

- P&L ownership mindset

- Ability to balance growth with working capital discipline

Success in This Role Looks Like:

- Strong sales & margin growth

- High on-shelf availability

- Improved stock turns

- Optimized working capital

- Data-driven category decisions