Description:

Role Overview:

We are hiring a Category Manager Gen-Z Category to drive category strategy, product assortment, and commercial performance for a fast-growing retail brand. The role requires a deep understanding of Gen-Z consumer behavior, trends, and buying patterns, combined with strong commercial acumen and cross-functional coordination.

The Category Manager will own the category P&L, ensure timely product availability, and collaborate closely with planning, sourcing, marketing, and operations teams to deliver growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Planning:

- Develop and execute category strategy aligned with brand objectives and Gen-Z consumer trends

- Work closely with the planning team to finalize product assortment, SKUs, buy quantities, and seasonality plans

- Analyze sales data, sell-through, and market trends to optimize assortment performance

- Own category KPIs including sales, margins, inventory turns, and availability

Buying & Vendor Management:

- Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely production, quality compliance, and delivery

- Lead vendor evaluation and performance reviews in collaboration with sourcing, quality, and finance teams

- Ensure transparent vendor selection and negotiation processes

- Manage vendor relationships, pricing discussions, and cost optimization

Merchandising & Inventory Management:

- Ensure timely availability of all SKUs as per the approved plan and quality standards

- Monitor inventory levels, stock aging, and replenishment to minimize stock-outs and overstock

- Drive inter-category and intra-category assortment optimization

- Work closely with supply chain teams to manage inbound logistics and stock flow

Marketing & Promotions:

- Collaborate with the marketing team to support category-specific campaigns, launches, and promotions

- Execute seasonal, inter-category, and intra-category sales events to drive category growth

- Provide inputs for visual merchandising, pricing strategies, and promotional calendars

- Support digital and offline campaigns targeted at Gen-Z customers

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Coordinate with internal teams including planning, sourcing, marketing, finance, supply chain, and retail operations

- Ensure timely settlement of vendor dues in coordination with finance

- Provide regular category performance updates to senior management

- Support store teams with category knowledge and product insights

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong understanding of Gen-Z consumer behavior, trends, and preferences

- Proven experience in retail category management and buying

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data

- Excellent vendor negotiation and relationship management skills

- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

- Commercial mindset with P&L ownership experience

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment