The role
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
Category Strategy Development and Execution
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for assigned product categories, aligned with overall company goals.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to define category-specific growth opportunities.
• Establish category sales targets, margin goals, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive business performance.
Team Leadership and Key Account Management Supervision
• Lead, coach, and manage a team of Key Account Managers to ensure they support sellers effectively and achieve their targets.
• Set clear objectives and performance metrics for KAMs, ensuring they align with category strategy and company goals.
• Provide guidance to KAMs on account planning, relationship management, and performance improvement, ensuring sellers maximize their potential on the platform.
Assortment and Inventory Management
• Collaborate with KAMs and Category Operations to curate and optimize product assortment within the category, ensuring a broad and relevant selection for customers.
• Work with sellers to maintain adequate stock levels and improve inventory planning, minimizing out-of-stock situations and enhancing fulfillment rates.
Pricing and Promotion Optimization
• Develop and implement pricing strategies that are competitive, drive conversion, and align with category profitability goals.
• Plan and execute category-specific promotions, working closely with the marketing team to maximize visibility and sales.
• Monitor and adjust pricing and promotional strategies based on market conditions, competitive analysis, and customer demand trends.
Competitive Benchmarking & Market Intelligence
• Conduct regular competitive analysis to understand positioning, pricing strategies and new market opportunities
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.
Seller Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key sellers within the category, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Conduct regular business reviews with top sellers, providing insights and recommendations for growth opportunities.
Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
• Analyze category performance data, including sales, margins, and customer behavior, to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize insights to make data-driven decisions, optimize assortment, and refine category strategies.
• Regularly report on category performance and provide updates to LT.
Qualifications & Skills
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or account management within e-commerce or retail. Experience managing teams, particularly KAMs, is preferred.
• Analytical Skills. Strong analytical abilities with a data-driven mindset; proficiency in analyzing sales data, market trends, and customer insights.
• Strategic Thinking. Ability to develop and execute long-term category plans
• Negotiation Skills. Strong ability to negotiate with sellers and brands for optimal pricing, promotion and investment.
• Adapatability. Adaptability to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic e-commerce environment.
• Leadership Abilities. Proven experience in leading and developing teams, with a focus on mentoring and driving performance.
• Customer-Centric Focus. Passion for understanding customer needs and optimizing product categories to enhance the shopping experience.
• Commercial Acumen. Strong understanding of pricing, promotions, and profitability levers within e-commerce.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in business, marketing, or a related field is preferred.