Category Manager-OTC/Beauty

Brief Role Description:

Optimize sales for a category of products within the Pharmacy stores, including management of the end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned categories including product introductions, product pricing, forecasting, depletions, promotion planning, optimal inventory levels as well as maintaining a productive relationship with vendors that is mutually beneficial to the organizational values.

Responsibilities

• Creating and developing a short and long-term strategy for development of the product category
• Management of the end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned categories including product introductions, product pricing, forecasting, depletions and promotion planning
• Calculating the impact of purchases on company sales and gross margin.
• Perform product performance reviews with a view of providing short and long-term strategy plans for the category
• Implement promotional planning calendar by category and supplier for cross-functional use in scheduling multichannel strategy and product direction
• Supplier Management – Develop strong supplier relationships, negotiations, contracts and performance review process
• Identify opportunities and development initiatives to source from qualified diverse suppliers as part of a global initiative to align purchasing strategies with corporate values.
• Provide internal and external customers with focused insights regarding the products and category to drive business performance
• Ensure maintenance of optimal inventory levels, inventory turns and reduction of aging inventory.
• Review JVP's for approval by Head of Supply Chain/Chief Pharmacist: Head of Marketing, CFO.
• Share timely data with suppliers as per JVP'S approved by Head of Supply Chain and Head of Marketing.
• Employ expertise to control costs, reduce lead times and manage all aspects of purchasing relating to the category.
• Ensure new listings are completed within 30 days.
• Shortlist products to be presented at Procurement Committees.
• Meet budgeted revenues for the category and ensure key sub category growth focus.

Essentials

• Strong background with merchandising and vendor relationship.
• Experience in product purchasing, financial analysis, and inventory control.
• Expertise with the sales and marketing of specific products within the merchandise category.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Strong problem-solving skills and able to work in a fastpaced environment under pressure.
• Team player with strong communication skills.
• Strong back ground in category management and supplier relationship.
• Experience in Beauty and Personal care product knowledge and supplier sourcing, purchasing, and inventory control, financial analysis (product margins and Retail pricing).
• Understanding of marketing principles and strategies specific to the beauty and personal care industry, including brand management, product positioning, and promotional tactics.
• Strong analytical capabilities to interpret market data, sales performance metrics, and financial information to make informed decisions and drive category growth.
• Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans for category growth, considering both marketing and procurement perspectives, while adapting to evolving market dynamics.
• Commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of target customers, ensuring that product offerings and marketing strategies resonate with their preferences.
• Ability to leverage data analytics and market intelligence tools to drive insights-driven decision-making, optimize category performance, and identify growth opportunities.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, retailing, management, sales, or marketing is required.
• Member of Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) and valid Practicing License will be added advantage.
• 5 years' working experience.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a category manager ideally for a retail organization.
• The ability to analyze and form accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data is essential.
• A thorough understanding of retail insights.
• Strong people management skills.
• Ability to manage and persuade at all levels of the company.
• Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment.
• Being good with numbers is essential.