Assistant Manager - Category

Keka Technologies Private Limited; Karnataka; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Keka Technologies Private Limited in Karnataka, India seeks a Category Manager to drive performance across dog food, cat food, and pet lifestyle categories. You will lead data-driven decisions, coordinate with vendors, and work with marketing to shape promotions and pricing calendars.

The role requires 1–3 years in category management or related commercial functions, strong Excel/GSheets skills, and the ability to manage multiple SKUs and timelines efficiently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent is a plus but not mandatory.
• 1–3 years of experience in category management or related commercial role.
• Proficient in Excel/GSheets and data analysis.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Hands-on with AI tools such as Claude is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Track category performance (sales, margin, inventory health) and translate insights into action.
• Support assortment planning for launches, expansion and delisting decisions.
• Manage day-to-day vendor and brand relationships, including pricing and terms.
• Own merchandising and promotions, plan pricing calendars with marketing.
• Coordinate with supply chain and catalog teams to optimize listings.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends in pet food.
• Prepare regular performance reports and business reviews for stakeholders.
• Drive category monetization through brand partnerships and retail media.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Vendor negotiation

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel/GSheets

Claude AI

Job description

• Track category performance (sales, margin, inventory health, market share) and translate insights into action. Categories covered will be dog food, cat food and pet lifestyle.
• Support assortment planning — new product launches, expansion, and delisting decisions based on sell-through and demand trends
• Manage day-to-day vendor and brand relationships, including negotiating pricing, trade terms, and promotional support
• Own and operationalise merchandising and retention growth activations such as campaigns and promotions from calendar-based SOPs. Plan and execute pricing and promotional calendars in collaboration with the marketing team.
• Coordinate with supply chain and operations teams to maintain healthy inventory levels and minimize stockouts/overstocking.
• Work with catalog and content teams to ensure product listings are accurate, well-merchandised, and optimized for conversion
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends in the pet food space
• Prepare regular performance reports and business reviews for internal stakeholders and vendor partners
• Drive category monetization through brand partnerships, sponsored placements, and retail media/ad opportunities

What We're Looking For

• 1–3 years of experience in category management, e-commerce operations, or a related commercial role
• Strong data skills to take decisions — pro with Excel/GSheets;
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for vendors and internal stakeholders
• Organized, able to manage multiple SKUs, vendors, and timelines simultaneously
• Dog Pet Parent or Cat Pet Parent
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent is a plus but not mandatory
• Hands-on experience using AI tools such as Claude for day-to-day work (reporting, analysis, content, etc.) is a plus

What Success Looks Like

• Growth in revenue and margins in your categories in-line with the platform or greater than the platform
• Strong vendor relationships leading to growth and efficiency outcomes