Category Manager - Quick Commerce - D2C Food

Description:

Function: Business / Category Management

Location: Mumbai

Experience: 4-7 years

Reporting To: Business Head / Entrepreneur in Residence

Role Overview:

The Category Manager will own assigned categories end-to-end, treating each category as a standalone business. This role is responsible for driving growth, profitability, and long-term scale by combining consumer insight, product strategy, and disciplined execution in a fast-growing consumer brand environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Ownership & Growth:

- Own the P&L for assigned categories and drive topline and margin growth.

- Build short-term and long-term category roadmaps aligned with overall business objectives.

- Track category performance and take data-backed actions to improve growth, margins, and efficiency.

2. Product Strategy & Innovation:

- Identify consumer needs and whitespace through market, consumer, and competitive analysis.

- Lead new product launches end-to-end, including concept development, pricing, positioning, and go-to-market execution.

- Partner closely with R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, and Marketing teams to deliver differentiated products.

3. Pricing, Promotions & Portfolio Management:

- Define pricing and promotional strategies that balance growth and profitability.

- Optimize assortment, pack sizes, and portfolio mix across channels.

- Review portfolio performance regularly to unlock value and eliminate inefficiencies.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure seamless execution.

- Act as the single point of ownership for category-related decisions and initiatives.

5. Market & Consumer Intelligence:

- Stay closely connected to consumer trends, category dynamics, and competitive activity.

- Use insights and data to anticipate change and proactively shape category strategy.

Skills & Qualifications:

- 4-7 years of experience in category management, brand management, or business roles within FMCG, D2C, or consumer brands

- Strong understanding of P&L ownership, pricing, promotions, and portfolio strategy

- Proven ability to work cross-functionally and deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments

- Strong analytical, consumer-first mindset with structured problem-solving skills

- High ownership and execution focus with a business-owner mentality

Preferred Background (Edge):

- Experience in high-growth or challenger consumer brands

- Hands-on involvement in launching or scaling new products or categories

- Exposure to modern trade, general trade, and e-commerce channels