Category Manager-OTC/Beauty & PC – Priority Activator Consulting

Brief Role Description:
Optimize sales for a category of products within the Pharmacy stores, including management of the end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned categories including product introductions, product pricing, forecasting, depletions, promotion planning, optimal inventory levels as well as maintaining a productive relationship with vendors that is mutually beneficial to the organizational values.

Creating and developing a short and long-term strategy for development of the product category
Management of the end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned categories including product introductions, product pricing, forecasting, depletions and promotion planning
Calculating the impact of purchases on company sales and gross margin.
Perform product performance reviews with a view of providing short and long-term strategy plans for the category
Implement promotional planning calendar by category and supplier for cross-functional use in scheduling multichannel strategy and product direction
Supplier Management – Develop strong supplier relationships, negotiations, contracts and performance review process
Identify opportunities and development initiatives to source from qualified diverse suppliers as part of a global initiative to align purchasing strategies with corporate values.
Provide internal and external customers with focused insights regarding the products and category to drive business performance
Ensure maintenance of optimal inventory levels, inventory turns and reduction of aging inventory.
Review JVP’s for approval by Head of Supply Chain/Chief Pharmacist: Head of Marketing, CFO.
Share timely data with suppliers as per JVP’S approved by Head of Supply Chain and Head of Marketing.
Employ expertise to control costs, reduce lead times and manage all aspects of purchasing relating to the category.
Ensure new listings are completed within 30 days.
Shortlist products to be presented at Procurement Committees.
Meet budgeted revenues for the category and ensure key sub category growth focus.

Essentials

Strong background with merchandising and vendor relationship.
Experience in product purchasing, financial analysis, and inventory control.
Expertise with the sales and marketing of specific products within the merchandise category.
Good command of written and spoken English.
Strong problem-solving skills and able to work in a fastpaced environment under pressure.
Team player with strong communication skills.
Strong back ground in category management and supplier relationship.
Experience in Beauty and Personal care product knowledge and supplier sourcing, purchasing, and inventory control, financial analysis (product margins and Retail pricing).
Understanding of marketing principles and strategies specific to the beauty and personal care industry, including brand management, product positioning, and promotional tactics.
Strong analytical capabilities to interpret market data, sales performance metrics, and financial information to make informed decisions and drive category growth.
Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans for category growth, considering both marketing and procurement perspectives, while adapting to evolving market dynamics.
Commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of target customers, ensuring that product offerings and marketing strategies resonate with their preferences.
Ability to leverage data analytics and market intelligence tools to drive insights-driven decision-making, optimize category performance, and identify growth opportunities.

Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, retailing, management, sales, or marketing is required.
Member of Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) and valid Practicing License will be added advantage.
5 years’ working experience.

Desirable

Previous experience as a category manager ideally for a retail organization.
The ability to analyze and form accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data is essential.
A thorough understanding of retail insights.
Strong people management skills.
Ability to manage and persuade at all levels of the company.
Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment.
Being good with numbers is essential.