Head - Buying/Merchandising & Category Management - Retail

Role Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned retail leader to spearhead our Buying, Merchandising, and Category Management functions based in Mumbai. In this pivotal role, you will define the commercial roadmap, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from sourcing and procurement to final shelf placement. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders in supply chain, marketing, and finance to ensure our product assortment aligns with market trends and consumer demand. By driving strategic pricing and inventory optimization, you will directly influence the company's top-line growth and bottom-line profitability, ensuring we maintain a competitive edge in a fast-paced retail landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the end-to-end P&L management for the category to ensure sustainable revenue growth and margin expansion across all product lines.

- Develop and execute comprehensive buying strategies that balance trend-forecasting with historical data to optimize stock levels and minimize inventory holding costs.

- Cultivate and manage high-value vendor relationships to secure favorable terms, exclusive product access, and consistent supply chain reliability.

- Implement dynamic pricing models that respond to market fluctuations and competitor activity to maximize conversion rates and customer lifetime value.

- Drive data-driven decision-making by leveraging advanced analytics to identify emerging consumer preferences and whitespace opportunities in the market.

- Oversee retail operations to ensure seamless execution of merchandising plans, visual standards, and promotional campaigns across all sales channels.

Required Skillset:

- Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale P&L accounts with a proven track record of delivering consistent growth in complex retail environments.

- Exceptional analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate complex data sets into actionable merchandising and inventory strategies.

- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing internal teams and external partners to achieve strategic objectives.

- Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate market shifts and pivot product assortments to maintain brand relevance and customer loyalty.

- Proven leadership experience in mentoring high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

- A postgraduate degree from a premier business school is highly preferred, reflecting a strong foundation in management principles.

- Ability to thrive in an on-site work environment in Mumbai, maintaining a hands-on approach to retail operations and team collaboration.