Category Head/ Concept Head-Fresh

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Category Management

• Develop and execute annual and monthly buying plans for Fresh categories.
• Drive category strategy, sales growth, profitability, and margin improvement.
• Develop range, pricing, promotion, and space strategies based on customer demand and store demographics.
• Optimize store space to maximize sales and return on investment.
• Monitor category performance against business plans and targets.

Inventory Management

• Ensure product availability across all outlets while minimizing stock-outs.
• Manage CATMAN, planograms, replenishment, and range planning.
• Monitor inventory ageing, overstock, stock-on-hand, and stock in transit.
• Introduce new products based on market trends, customer preferences, and profitability.
• Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams for timely replenishment.

Sales & Profitability

• Achieve annual sales and margin targets.
• Develop pricing strategies based on market surveys and competitor analysis.
• Plan and execute promotions and consumer activation programs.
• Drive private-label opportunities to improve margins.
• Monitor loss prevention and take corrective actions to protect profitability.
• Analyze category data and identify opportunities for sales and margin improvement.

Vendor Management

• Identify and develop reliable suppliers and vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and fill rates.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure timely supply.
• Coordinate with vendors to improve product availability and commercial terms.

New Store Development

• Support new store openings with appropriate range, CATMAN, planograms, buying plans, and inventory requirements.
• Ensure Fresh category execution is aligned with the store format and customer profile.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, coach, and motivate category teams.
• Define team KPIs and monitor performance.
• Identify training requirements and coordinate with HR for development programs.
• Build accountable, result-oriented teams.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Warehouse teams.

Requirements

• 12–15+ years of relevant experience in Modern Retail, Hypermarket, Supermarket, or Grocery Retail.
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role in Category Management/Buying.
• Strong experience in Bakery, Butchery, Deli, Fruits & Vegetables.
• Strong knowledge of category management, procurement, buying, vendor negotiations, inventory, pricing, and promotions.
• Experience in achieving sales, margin, profitability, and inventory targets.
• Strong commercial and analytical understanding.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong team management and people-development capabilities.
• Knowledge of customer trends and fresh food retail practices.
• Graduate/Postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Ability to work with multiple teams with a strong sense of urgency, ownership, and accountability.