Assistant Category Manager

Safari Industries India Ltd.; Mumbai; On-site; INR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Safari Industries India Ltd. is looking for a professional in Mumbai with experience in Category Management, particularly in premium lifestyle and consumer goods. This role involves product development, offline channel management, and brand marketing.

The ideal candidate must have 3–4 years of experience, especially with Large Format Stores, and a proven track record in driving product quality and market presence. Strong collaboration with design and sales teams is essential to succeed in this position.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of relevant experience in Category Management.
• Demonstrable experience in Offline Channel Management with Large Format Stores.
• Experience in a Premium Lifestyle, Fashion, Accessories or Consumer Goods brand.

Responsibilities

• Identify consumer demand gaps for new product development.
• Collaborate with design to create premium luggage and backpacks.
• Manage assortment planning, pricing, and portfolio rationalisation.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and trend analysis.

Skills

Category Management

Offline Channel Management

Product Development

Brand Building

Job description

• Identify consumer demand gaps and market whitespaces to inform new product development and range extensions.
• Work closely with Design team to develop premium luggage and backpack collections that align with global trends and consumer insights.
• Own the category management process — assortment planning, pricing and portfolio rationalisation.
• Conduct regular competitive benchmarking and trend analysis across premium travel accessories brands. Stay on top of Trends and Innovation in the Category.
• Collaborate with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure product quality, innovation and timely Go-to-Market delivery.
• Track product performance (sell-through, margins, consumer feedback) and recommend portfolio optimisations.

2. Premium Offline Channel Development & Management

• Develop and manage Carlton's premium offline strategy across below channels in co-ordination with the Sales team
• Large Format Stores (LFS) such as Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop etc
• Own Retail Stores
• Premium Multi Brand Outlets
• Oversee the end-to-end in-store experience — shop-in-shop setups, planograms, visual merchandising, in-store activations and promotional events in co ordination with relevant On field teams.
• Develop retail marketing calendars and trade promotions in alignment with brand and business goals.
• Track and analyse channel-wise sell-in/sell-out performance, identify growth opportunities and course-correct where needed.
• Collaborate with the sales team to onboard new premium retail partners and ensure brand standards are maintained across all offline touchpoints.

3. Brand Building & Marketing

• Champion the Brand Carlton identity as a premium international travel accessories brand across all consumer touchpoints.
• Develop and execute campaigns aimed at driving Offline Channel Growth aligned with the premium brand promise.
• Drive consistent brand storytelling across packaging, in-store communication, digital media and retail environments.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• 3–4 years of relevant experience in Category Management
• Demonstrable experience in Offline Channel Management — particularly with Large Format Stores (Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Central, etc.), EBOs and MBOs.
• Mandatory: Experience in a Premium Lifestyle, Fashion, Accessories or Consumer Goods brand.
• Hands-on experience in Product Development and Category Management is essential.

Preferred / Added Advantage

• Prior experience with premium luggage, travel accessories, or adjacent lifestyle categories (handbags, footwear, apparel accessories).
• Existing relationships or experience working with buyers and category managers at Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop or similar LFS retailers.