Senior Category Manager

Roles and responsibilities

To strategically lead and manage the Interior Finishing category, driving growth, profitability, and overall success by curating an appealing product assortment, cultivating vendor relationships, implementing effective pricing strategies, and ensuring customer satisfaction, thus shaping Abyat's position as a market leader in the Interior Finishing sector.

Accountabilities & Activities

Category Strategy Development

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for the Interior Finishing category aligned with Abyat's business objectives.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to inform the category strategy.

Product Selection and Assortment Management

• Curate and manage a diverse and appealing product assortment within the Interior Finishing category.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to introduce new and exclusive accessories products that align with market demands.

Vendor Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key Interior Finishing suppliers and manufacturers.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to ensure favorable conditions and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Financial Performance and Pricing Strategy

• Monitor the financial performance of the Interior Finishing category, analyzing sales data, margins, and profitability.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies to maximize revenue while staying competitive and meeting customer expectations.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Communication

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations, to align category strategies and ensure effective execution.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to plan and execute promotions and campaigns that enhance the visibility and desirability of Interior Finishing products.

Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory levels for the Interior Finishing category, optimizing stock levels to prevent shortages and reduce excess or obsolete inventory.

Customer Satisfaction

• Monitor customer feedback related to Interior Finishing products and collaborated with relevant teams to address any issues promptly.
• Strive to enhance overall customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality and stylish home furniture solutions.

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience of 5 years as a Category Manager or in a similar role within the Interior Finishing/Accessories industry.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• In-depth knowledge of home furniture products, trends, and consumer preferences

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, management, industrial engineering
• MBA/master’s degree is a plus.

Desired candidate profile

1. Category Strategy Development:

• Market Analysis: Conducting in-depth research to understand market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activity to inform category decisions.
• Defining Category Goals: Establishing clear and measurable objectives for the product category, such as sales targets, margin improvement, and inventory turnover.
• Product Assortment Strategy: Creating and maintaining the product assortment for the category, ensuring a balance between customer preferences and business objectives.
• Positioning and Branding: Developing strategies to differentiate the category from competitors and ensure the category is aligned with the brand’s overall positioning.

2. Product Selection and Range Planning:

• Sourcing Products: Identifying new products and suppliers, negotiating terms, and ensuring that products align with market trends and customer needs.
• Range Optimization: Continuously reviewing and optimizing the product range to improve sales and profitability, phasing out underperforming items and adding new, high-demand products.
• Inventory Management: Ensuring that inventory levels are appropriate for the demand forecast, avoiding stockouts or overstock situations.

3. Pricing and Profitability Management:

• Pricing Strategy: Developing competitive pricing strategies for the product category, factoring in cost, market trends, competitor pricing, and consumer demand.
• Margin Management: Ensuring that pricing decisions contribute to the category’s profitability, and managing supplier negotiations to maximize margins.
• Promotions and Discounts: Planning promotional strategies to drive sales, including discounts, special offers, and seasonal promotions.

4. Supplier and Vendor Relationship Management:

• Supplier Negotiations: Engaging with suppliers to negotiate prices, terms, and contracts to ensure the best deals for the company.
• Vendor Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure product availability, quality, and reliability.
• Collaboration with Suppliers: Collaborating with suppliers to gain insights on product innovations, industry trends, and potential product launches.

5. Sales Forecasting and Demand Planning:

• Demand Forecasting: Using historical sales data, market trends, and seasonality to accurately forecast demand for products in the category.
• Sales Target Setting: Establishing sales targets for the category and working with sales teams to ensure these targets are achieved.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Coordinating with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery of products and effective inventory management.