Retail Category Director/Leader-FMCG

Lazada; Indonesia; On-site; IDR 300.000.000 - 400.000.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading e-commerce platform in Indonesia is seeking an experienced professional to manage the FMCG Retail Category. This role requires a minimum of 8 years in Category Management with direct experience in Beauty and Groceries. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The successful applicant will define category strategies, develop supplier partnerships, and drive performance through data-driven insights. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of Chinese is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of proven experience in Category Management or related position.
• Direct experience in Beauty and Groceries category is essential.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Define category vision and strategy aligned with company goals.
• Develop and execute assortment plans across categories.
• Provide data-driven forecasts and insights for key Retail KPIs.

Skills

Category Management

Supplier Management

Analytical Skills

Team Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Job description

Own Your Category

• Define our FMCG Retail Category Vision & Strategy within our Retail BU: Establish a clear vision and strategy for your category, aligning it with overall company goals and market trends.
• Supplier Management: Onboard, develop, and sustain key suppliers, building strong partnerships that drive business success.
• Agile Buying Strategies: Develop and implement buying strategies that are adaptable to our fast-changing environment, while aligning with the company’s Retail overall goals and driving optimal category performance.
• Supplier Evaluation: Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and establish partnerships that provide competitive advantages in terms of pricing, quality, and delivery.
• Advanced Negotiations: Lead high-stakes negotiations to secure favorable contract terms, ensuring the best possible value for the company and maximizing your category's profitability.
• Assortment Optimization: Develop and execute assortment plans across various categories, price points, and brands, tailoring your category to meet market demands and customer preferences.
• Compliance and Ethics: Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure all sourcing activities comply with legal and ethical standards.

Drive Insights and Performance

• Forecasting and Analysis: Provide data-driven forecasts, insights, and recommendations for key Retail KPIs, projects, and initiatives to steer your category's growth.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor market trends, industry developments, and supplier performance to proactively adjust sourcing strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
• Inventory Management: Utilize advanced analytics to manage product demand, sales data, and inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock levels and avoiding overstock or stockouts.
• Competitive Analysis: Conduct in-depth competitive analyses and benchmarks to stay ahead of the market and enhance your category's performance.
• Operational Excellence: Implement efficient operating procedures and drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements within your category.
• Process Innovation: Critique and refine current processes to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, driving innovation and improvement within your category.

Lead and Collaborate

• High Performance Team Building: Recruit, develop, and empower our future Retail top talents, fostering a culture of ownership, agility, and results-driven execution.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with platform, marketing, and operations teams to align category strategies with overall business objectives and drive your category's success.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, addressing any issues promptly to maintain strong relationships and ensure the best outcomes for your category.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with local and regional teammates and stakeholders to foster a collaborative environment.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of proven experience in Category Management, Product Management, Distribution or Commercial related position, with a strong background in FMCG Retail.
• Direct experience in Beauty and Groceries category is essential; prior work with leading brands is a significant advantage.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience leading a team of buyers as a Category Leader.
• A driven professional who thrives both as a collaborative team player and an inspiring leader, with the agility to switch into hands‑on execution mode when needed.
• Strong analytical skills, paired with creativity and sound organizational capabilities.
• High attention to detail and a sharp eye for process optimization.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment.
• Excellent collaboration skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to drive cross-functional execution.
• Proficiency in English is required; Chinese language skills are a plus, but not mandatory.