d.light - Category Manager

About d.light

d.light with a mission to 'Transform Lives with Sustainable Products' is a global leader and pioneer in delivering affordable solar-powered solutions designed for the two billion people in the developing world without access to reliable energy. d.light provides distributed solar energy solutions and energy efficient appliances for households and small businesses that are transforming the way people all over the world use and pay for energy. Through four hubs in Africa, China, South Asia and the United States.

d.Light has transformed the lives of over 125 million people through sales & distribution of more than 25 million solar light and power products in 70 countries. We envision a brighter future where all people are empowered to enjoy the quality of life that comes with access to affordable and sustainable products. d.light India has contributed significantly to this transformation with more than 47 million lives transformed in India through sales of more than 10 million solar products.

To learn more, please visit www.dlight.com

Job Expectation and Scope

Manager Category will be responsible for creating relevant categories and sub-categories for d.light to help build deeper understanding of the consumers, the pricing and overall promotion of a product category to maximize consumer appeal. He/She should have an over-all P&L thought process, trade-offs that need to be made and impact of various decision on different line items of the P&L.

Key Responsibilities

1. Using consumer research, internal and external understanding, data, intuition, creating relevant categories and sub-categories for d.light to help build deeper understanding of the consumers, their behaviours, needs / wants across different occasions.

2. Competition analysis (pricing/promotions/launches) & study of industry trends to provide key inputs for conceptualization, Communication of the products in the category.

3. Category & PnL management - ownership of sourcing, value chain, developing cash flow models and business proposals to meet financial goals.

4. Design the GTM and scale up for new categories/new SKUs. Plan and mange company`s overall sourcing strategy.

5. Own & execute demand generation activities to meet category objectives. Own and execute monthly/weekly category merchandising, visibility & consumer communication plan to drive new to platform acquisition, New to category acquisition and repeat to category.

6. Work closely, across functions (Backend Supply Chain, Delivery Ops, Merchandising, Planning team, Brand & Offline & Digital Marketing Team ) for Planning, Supply Chain and Procurement: Follow up and coordinate on supply chain deliverables of key marketing activities, procurement targets, monitoring sourcing price, packaging development and its pricing. Packaging design development and execution for products. NPD: Guide on New product Development and developing features in existing products.

7. Identify and build relationships with vendors and key suppliers - Engage with suppliers on new projects, cost reduction and optimization opportunities.

8. Negotiate pricing and cost control, draw out cost reduction plan for each category.

9. Develop and maintain documents and agreements. Keep abreast of the industry practices, market trends and best practices. Adhere to the relevant guidelines and regulations.

10. Lead the 'Make in India' strategy for the organization across key categories like inverters, batteries, solar panels, fans, portable lights etc.

11. Managing/updating marketing repository, developing product launch kits highlighting FAB (Features, Attributes, and Benefits) for the portfolio.

Successful Candidate Profile

1. Min. Business Graduate / post-graduate from premier Management Institution Master's Degree from premier institute preferred MBA/PGDM in Marketing

2. Good sourcing experience for key categories - inverters, batteries, solar panels, fans, portable lights etc.

3. Minimum of 3 to 5 Years of relevant category management experience.

4. Advanced analytical skills with experience in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating abundant information with accuracy.

5. Deep Experience with managing budgets, cash-flow models and business proposals.

6. Proficiency with MS Office programs and structuring Internal & External communications for successful deal negotiations & Senior Management Approvals

7. Proficient in both oral and written English.

8. Attention to detail, ability to prioritize and organize. Demonstrate high values of ownership in a dynamic and fast-paced-culture.

9. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.