Senior Category Brand Manager – Consumer Marketing I Head Office

Esmeconsumer; Gurgaon; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Esmeconsumer in Gurgaon, India is seeking a Category Manager to lead the strategy for their beauty product categories. You will drive growth, manage over 50 SKUs, and be responsible for market analysis and new product development.

The ideal candidate should have an MBA in Marketing, at least 8-10 years of experience in category management, and a strong understanding of the beauty and FMCG sectors. A rich portfolio of managing beauty products with P&L responsibility is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years in category management.
• Relevant experience in beauty and FMCG category.
• Proven experience in managing large beauty/FMCG categories with P&L ownership.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategy, planning, and execution of category portfolio.
• Drive category growth, profitability, and innovation pipeline.
• Manage brand equity and communication.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver category objectives.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Project management

Brand management

Data analysis tools

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

MBA in Marketing

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Purpose/Mission of role:

The Category Manager will be responsible for driving the overall strategy, growth, and profitability of assigned product categories within Esme Consumer. This role involves end-to-end ownership from market analysis and consumer insights to new product development, brand building, and performance management, ultimately contributing to Esme's vision of being the undisputed leader in the mass‑market beauty segment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Planning:
  • Own the strategy, planning, and execution of a 200 Cr+ category portfolio across Face, Lips, and Nails, managing 50+ SKUs.
  • Drive category growth, profitability, market share, and innovation pipeline in line with annual business objectives.
  • Lead Annual Operating Plan (AOP) creation, forecasting, budgeting, and category growth roadmaps.
• Brand Building & Communication:
  • Manage brand equity and ensure consistency in positioning and messaging.
• New Product Development (NPD):
  • Identify white spaces and lead the conceptualization, development, and launch of new products.
  • Collaborate with R&D, packaging, and supply chain for timely product rollouts.
• Market & Consumer Insights:
  • Commission and interpret consumer research to guide product and communication strategies.
  • Monitor competition and adapt plans to respond to market dynamics.
• Sales & Trade Collaboration:
  • Partner closely with the E‑commerce team to drive accelerated category growth and achieve 2X business scale-up across online channels.
• Performance Management:
  • Track and report key KPIs including category growth, market share, brand health metrics, and campaign performance.
  • Prepare monthly dashboards and present updates to senior leadership.
• Stakeholder & Cross‑Functional Management:
  • Lead cross‑functional collaboration across Sales, E‑commerce, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, Packaging Development, Manufacturing, and Demand Planning teams to deliver category objectives.
  • Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of launches, promotions, and category initiatives.
  • Drive alignment between business objectives and execution priorities across functions.
  • Develop channel‑specific growth strategies across Modern Trade, General Trade, E‑commerce, and Quick Commerce platforms.

Experience Required:

• MBA in Marketing
• Minimum 8‑10 years in category management

Key Skills and Competencies Required:

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical abilities
• Excellent communication and project management skills
• Deep understanding of brand management, consumer behavior, and go‑to‑market strategies
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and MS Excel/PowerPoint
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and agencies
• Relevant experience in beauty and FMCG category (Food, Personal Care, Homecare)
• Proven experience in managing large beauty/FMCG categories with P&L ownership.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated team management and leadership experience.
• Ability to manage complex cross‑functional projects and multiple business priorities.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in AOP planning, forecasting, and category profitability management.
• Experience handling Color Cosmetics categories (Face, Lips, Nails) preferred.
• Experience managing portfolios with 50+ SKUs and 100 Cr+ category turnover.
• Exposure to E‑commerce growth and omnichannel category management.

Functional:

• Analytical Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Persistence
• Follow Through on Commitments
• High Standards
• Team Work
• Communication
• Organisation and Planning

Behavioural:

• Self‑driven
• Able to influence people
• Good written and verbal communication
• Good stakeholder management
• Able to develop and coach team
• Enable and drive change