Category Head

Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Category Head to spearhead category strategy, business expansion, and private label initiatives for a rapidly growing consumer brand based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This senior leadership position requires extensive expertise in Category Management and Private Label development, aimed at managing large assortments, enhancing commercial outcomes, and architecting customer-centric strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement category strategies focused on accelerating revenue growth, boosting profitability, and increasing market share.
• Manage comprehensive category operations including assortment planning, pricing, promotional activities, and product lifecycle oversight.
• Expand and strengthen the private label product range by recognizing market gaps and customer demands.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, and brand collaborators to negotiate advantageous commercial deals.
• Guide product selection, sourcing, and merchandising decisions leveraging customer insights and prevailing market trends.
• Utilize business metrics and data analytics to assess category performance and optimize sales, inventory, margins, and profitability.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and growth teams to craft compelling promotional strategies and new product introductions.
• Coordinate with supply chain and operations to enhance product availability, inventory efficiency, and fulfillment effectiveness.
• Stay attuned to emerging consumer behaviors, competitive dynamics, and new business avenues to reinforce category leadership.
• Lead and mentor category management teams, fostering a culture centered on ownership, innovation, and high performance.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 12 years of experience in Category Management, Merchandising, Buying, or relevant commercial leadership roles.
• Proven track record in building and scaling Private Label businesses in consumer-related product segments.
• Strong commercial insight with experience managing category P&L, pricing policies, and profit maximization.
• Expertise in supplier negotiation, strategic sourcing, and vendor relationship management.
• In-depth knowledge of consumer purchasing behavior, retail trends, assortment strategies, and product lifecycle management.
• Experience handling data-driven analytics, forecasting, inventory optimization, and business performance evaluation.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities, stakeholder engagement skills, and aptitude for cross-functional collaboration.
• Robust analytical and strategic mindset combined with a customer-first approach.
• Ability to juggle multiple competing priorities within fast-moving, high-growth business environments.
• Strong passion for creating unique product assortments, fostering innovation, and enhancing customer experience.

Additional Information

Salary Range: INR 3,000,000 to 6,000,000 annually (30-60 LPA)

Experience Required: 12+ years

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Employment Type: Full-time, Onsite