Zepto - Category Manager

Job Description:

Core Areas: Product Sourcing and Selection, Vendor Management, Inventory Management & Fill Rate, Negotiation, Problem solving and stakeholder management

Our Story:

Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is on a mission to save you time making every second count towards life's real joys. Our platform has revolutionised rapid commerce in India with cutting-edge technology and strategically optimised delivery hubs. Zepto offers an extensive range of 45,000+ products, from fresh groceries to electronics, beauty essentials, apparels, toys and more, delivering across 50+ cities in 10 minutes-.

Zepto Café extends our commitment to convenience, featuring a curated menu of over 200 fresh items.

Your Role:

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic buying manager to join our category team. This role is essential in shaping the product assortment and ensuring that we offer a compelling and diverse range of products to our customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in buying and merchandising, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record in an ecommerce environment

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Assortment:

- Source and select a wide range of products that align with our category strategy and meet customer demands.

- Conduct market research to identify new trends, product opportunities, and competitive offerings.

- Develop and maintain a well-balanced and profitable product assortment.

2. Supplier Relationship Management:

- Establish and nurture strong relationships with suppliers, brands, and manufacturers.

- Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure favorable deals and exclusivity where possible.

- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and high-quality standards of products.

3. Inventory Management:

- Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize excess inventory.

- Analyze sales data and forecast demand to make informed purchasing decisions.

- Implement strategies to manage slow-moving inventory and reduce obsolescence.

4. Sales and Marketing Collaboration:

- Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies that drive product visibility and sales.

- Coordinate with the merchandising team to ensure effective product placement and presentation.

5. Customer Focus:

- Champion a customer-centric approach in all buying decisions, ensuring products meet customer expectations and preferences.

- Utilize customer feedback and insights to refine product assortment and enhance the shopping experience.

- Ensure the highest standards of quality and satisfaction in all purchased products.

What Were Looking For:

- MBA in Business, Marketing, or a related field

- Proven track record of successful product selection and supplier negotiations.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- Deep understanding of category trends and consumer behavior.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Proficiency in using buying and inventory management software.