Assistant category Manager

ESP Engineered; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with performance-linked incentives

Job summary

ESP Engineered in Gurugram is seeking an analytically sharp Assistant Category Manager to drive the launch and scaling of new categories. This pivotal role involves managing relationships with over 20 suppliers and tracking performance through data analysis.

The ideal candidate will have 2–4 years of experience in category management, strong data skills, and a high ownership mindset. Join a fast-paced, data-driven environment with significant impact on business outcomes and potential for growth.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple supplier/vendor relationships.
• Strong data skills, proficient in Excel/Google Sheets.

Responsibilities

• Own relationships with 20+ suppliers/brands.
• Conduct periodic business reviews to track performance.
• Analyse sales trends and inform inventory planning.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Supplier relationship management

Excel/Google Sheets

Tools

SQL

Python

Tableau

Looker

Job description

Role Overview

We are building our new categories and are looking for an analytically sharp, commercially minded Assistant Category Manager to join us at the ground level. This role is central to launching and scaling new categories — from identifying the right assortment to negotiating with suppliers and tracking performance through data. You will manage a portfolio of 20+ suppliers/brands, own the category P&L levers, and work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure our new categories are set up for long‑term success.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier & Brand Management

• Own relationships with 20+ suppliers/brands across the category portfolio
• Lead onboarding of new vendors — negotiate commercials, payment terms, return policies, and exclusivity where applicable
• Conduct periodic business reviews (QBRs/MBRs) with key suppliers to track performance and align on growth plans
• Resolve supply‑side issues including fill rates, lead times, quality, and compliance
• Identify and prospect new brands/suppliers to fill category white spaces

Assortment Planning & Category Development

• Build and expand the assortment for new categories — from initial range plan to ongoing curation and rationalisation
• Conduct market benchmarking and competitor analysis to identify assortment gaps and opportunities
• Drive listing decisions based on demand signals, customer feedback, and trend data
• Work with the merchandising team to ensure optimal product depth, width, and price ladder across the category
• Own the new product introduction (NPI) calendar and track time‑to‑live for each SKU

Data Analysis & Demand Intelligence

• Analyse sales trends, demand cycles, and seasonality patterns to inform buying decisions and inventory planning
• Build and maintain category‑level dashboards tracking revenue, sell‑through, weeks of cover, and returns
• Use demand forecasting inputs to plan purchase orders and minimise overstock/stockout situations
• Identify slow‑moving SKUs early and work with stakeholders on markdown or exit strategies
• Translate raw data into actionable insights and present findings to senior stakeholders

Contribution Margin & P&L Management

• Understand and manage all levers of contribution margin — landed cost, freight, vendor funding, returns, and markdown
• Track category‑level gross margin and contribution margin vs. plan on a weekly/monthly basis
• Negotiate vendor support (co‑op, volume rebates, promotional funding) to improve net economics
• Collaborate with finance to reconcile actuals vs. budget and flag variances proactively
• Drive initiatives to improve category profitability — range mix, pricing strategy, and cost reduction

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the marketing team to plan category promotions, campaigns, and launch activations
• Coordinate with the supply chain/warehouse team to ensure inbound readiness for new launches
• Work with the tech/product team to ensure correct catalogue setup, taxonomy, and content quality
• Support the pricing team with competitive benchmarking and input on pricing strategy

What We Are Looking For

Must‑Have

• 2–4 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising — preferably in e‑commerce, retail, or FMCG
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple supplier/vendor relationships simultaneously
• Strong data skills — proficient in Excel/Google Sheets; SQL or Python is a plus
• Ability to read and interpret P&L statements and understand contribution margin mechanics
• Exposure to demand planning, forecasting, or inventory management
• High ownership mindset — comfortable working in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments

Good to Have

• Experience in launching or scaling a new category from scratch
• Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Looker, or any BI platform
• Understanding of digital shelf metrics — conversion, bounce rate, reviews impact
• Prior exposure to category analytics in e‑commerce (GMV, ASP, UPT, returns %)

Why Join Us

• You will be one of the earliest hires in a new category — high visibility and direct impact on business outcomes
• Work closely with senior leadership and get exposure to the full P&L of a category
• Fast‑paced, data‑driven environment where decisions are made on the ground
• Significant scope to build processes, systems, and ways of working from scratch
• Competitive compensation with performance‑linked incentives