Head of Category (Health)

Guardian Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health and beauty retailer in Malaysia is seeking a candidate to lead the end-to-end commercial strategy for a major department. The role involves shaping product, pricing, and promotion strategies, as well as building and leading a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have a Diploma/Degree and a minimum of 10-12 years of experience in a similar retail industry. Strong leadership skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of experience in a similar retail industry.
• Proven leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end commercial strategy for a major department.
• Set and deliver P&L targets for the category.
• Shape product, price, promotion, and placement strategies.

Skills

Strong leadership and coaching ability

Education

Diploma/Degree with 10-12 years of related working experience

Job description

To lead the end-to-end commercial strategy for a major department (e.g. Cosmetic, Skincare, Health, Personal Care), driving sales, margin, and customer relevance through data-led decisions and supplier partnerships.

Key accountabilities:

• Set and deliver P&L targets for the category including sales, gross margin, and total commercial income.
• Shape product, price, promotion, and placement strategies that meet customer needs.
• Build and lead a high-performing team across category roles.
• Negotiate strategic JBPs and deliver total income from suppliers.
• Lead category development including new product introductions and range reviews.
• Coordinate execution of promotional and in-store activity.
• Monitor market, customer, and competitor trends to stay ahead.
• Champion Guardian’s category strategy in internal cross-functional forums.

Requirements

• Diploma/Degree with 10-12 years of related working experience in similar retail industry
• Strong leadership and coaching ability.

Parameters for success:

• Sales, GP%, TCI%, Market Share, Stock Holding, Team Performance

guardian is Malaysia’s leading health, beauty, and personal care chain, trusted by customers for offering high-quality products at great value. Over five decades of commitment and service have solidified this trust, beginning with the very first guardian store, a modest 200 square feet at The Weld, Kuala Lumpur, 57 years ago. Today, guardian operates more than 600 stores across high streets, popular shopping malls, and through our e-commerce platform. guardian is now part of the DFI Retail Group, a leading pan-Asian retailer with operations in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statement: [Not specified in the original description, please ensure to include a valid EEO statement in the job posting]