Category Manager

Guardian Health & Beauty; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Health & Beauty Singapore is seeking a commercially driven Category Manager to own and drive performance across assigned categories for stores and our online store.

You will lead end-to-end category management—from strategy, supplier negotiations, pricing to in-store execution and campaign performance—balancing commercial thinking with data-driven decisions and hands-on execution.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business, Marketing, Pharmacy, or related field
• 3–6 years’ experience in FMCG, retail, e-commerce, or category management
• Proven track record in managing categories/brands and driving sales performance
• Experience in supplier/vendor management and commercial negotiations
• Strong commercial acumen (pricing, margin, promotions, P&L understanding)
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data interpretation

Responsibilities

• Own Category Strategy & Performance—lead strategy to deliver sales, profit, and income growth
• Drive Brand Growth & Innovation—manage brands, onboarding, and growth
• Lead Commercial Negotiations & Partnerships—negotiate terms, pricing, and promotional investments
• Deliver Omnichannel Excellence—ensure strong execution across stores and e-commerce
• Lead Projects & Cross-Functional Execution—drive key initiatives with Ops, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Develop People & Build Capability—support junior team development and capability building

Skills

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Pharmacy or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

About Us

Established in 1972, Guardian Health & Beauty is Singapore’s Number 1 Health and Beauty retailer. With more than 110 stores nation-wide, it retails a comprehensive range of health & beauty products. Guardian has evolved from its pharmacy roots to a holistic one-stop solution for customers’ health and beauty needs. It continues to expand its products and service range to meet the redefinition of beauty by today’s customers – where health meets beauty.
With a strong health heritage, it has the largest network of award-winning pharmacists and a wide selection of health products. Professional services such as patient-care counselling, dispensary services, beauty and personal care solutions are offered at stores as a convenient one-stop for health and beauty. Guardian also operates its online store with more than 9,000 products available and offers the “Click & Collect” services.
Guardian Health & Beauty is a Progressive Wage (PW) mark accredited company.

Role Purpose

As a Category Manager, you will own and drive the performance of assigned categories within Guardian Singapore—shaping strategy, building brands, and delivering strong commercial outcomes across stores and e-commerce.

You will be responsible for end-to-end category management—from strategy, supplier negotiations, and pricing to in-store execution and campaign performance. This role requires a strong balance of commercial thinking, data-driven decision-making, and hands-on execution.

Principal Accountabilities

- Own Category Strategy & Performance

• Lead category strategy to deliver sales, profit, and income growth




• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitor activities to identify opportunities




• Define and execute assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies




• Drive category productivity (e.g., sales per bay, margin optimization, stock efficiency)

- Drive Brand Growth & Innovation

• Manage and grow a portfolio of brands, including new brand onboarding and development




• Identify and introduce new trends, innovations, and exclusive ranges




• Work closely with suppliers to build joint business plans and growth strategies




• Develop differentiated propositions (e.g., wellness trends, functional benefits, new formats)

- Lead Commercial Negotiations & Partnerships

• Negotiate trading terms, pricing, and promotional investments with suppliers




• Ensure strong margin structure and sustainable commercial agreements




• Drive accountability on sales targets, marketing support, and execution commitments

- Deliver Omnichannel Excellence

• Ensure strong execution across stores, e-commerce, and campaigns




• Lead planogram strategy and merchandising to optimize space productivity and customer experience




• Collaborate with Marketing on campaigns, activations, and retail media opportunities

- Lead Projects & Cross-Functional Execution

• Take ownership of key commercial projects and strategic initiatives




• Work closely with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver results




• Drive improvements in processes, execution standards, and category performance

- Develop People & Build Capability

• Support development of junior team members and build category management capabilities within the team




• Foster a culture of learning, ownership, and continuous improvement

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for commercially driven individuals who can own a business, not just manage tasks.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Business, Marketing, Pharmacy, or related field




• 3–6 years’ experience in FMCG, retail, e-commerce, or category management




• Proven track record in managing categories/brands and driving sales performance




• Experience in supplier/vendor management and commercial negotiations




• Strong commercial acumen (pricing, margin, promotions, P&L understanding)




• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data interpretation

Key Traits

• Proactive & results-driven – takes ownership and drives outcomes




• Open-minded & forward-thinking – embraces new ideas, trends, and ways of working




• Strong commercial acumen – understands margins, pricing, and business levers




• Project ownership mindset – able to lead and deliver multiple initiatives




• Adaptable & agile – thrives in a fast-paced, evolving retail environment




• Strong multitasking & organizational skills – able to manage complexity and priorities




• Collaborative leader – able to influence stakeholders and work cross-functionally

Important to Note

• This is a high ownership role requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution




• Candidates must be comfortable operating in a data-driven, performance-focused environment




• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders is critical

Why Join Us

• Ownership of a high-impact category with visible business outcomes




• Opportunity to shape category strategy, brand portfolio, and innovation pipeline




• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making




• Platform to grow into Senior Category Manager / Commercial Leadership roles