Category Lead - Staples

Description: The Category Lead Staples will own the end-to-end P&L for the Staples category (rice, atta, pulses, oil, sugar, etc.) across the Q-commerce platform. The role is responsible for driving topline growth, margins, assortment strategy, vendor partnerships, pricing, and availability to deliver strong category performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & P&L Ownership:

- Own revenue, margin, growth and contribution targets for Staples.

- Build annual and quarterly category growth plans aligned with business objectives.

- Drive mix optimization across national brands, regional brands and private labels.

Assortment & Pricing:

- Develop SKU strategy based on consumer demand, regional preferences and price ladders.

- Ensure optimal SKU rationalization and stock rotation.

- Drive competitive pricing benchmarks and margin improvement initiatives.

Vendor Management:

- Build and manage relationships with key FMCG suppliers and regional players.

- Negotiate commercials, trade spends, visibility support and JBP plans.

- Identify new vendor partnerships and emerging brands.

Demand Planning & Availability:

- Work closely with supply chain to ensure fill rates and inventory turns.

- Minimize stock-outs and wastage.

- Monitor sell-through and optimize replenishment cycles.

Growth & Marketing:

- Plan and execute promotional calendars.

- Collaborate with marketing for campaigns, visibility and cross-sell.

- Drive private label penetration.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

- 5-10 years of experience in category management / buying in QCOM, e-commerce, or modern trade.

- Strong understanding of Staples / grocery category economics.

- P&L orientation with strong negotiation skills.

- Analytical mindset with ability to work with data and dashboards.

- Experience working with FMCG brands preferred.