Senior Category Manager - Sell Side

Senior Category Manager - Sell Side

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Role Overview

We are looking for a commercially strong, data-driven Senior Category Manager - Sell Side to lead growth, profitability, and brand performance across assigned categories.

This role goes beyond operational tracking - you will own the category P&L ,, optimize assortment and pricing strategy, and lead cross-functional execution to unlock sustainable growth.

You will operate at the intersection of revenue growth, margin expansion, and strategic excellence in a high-velocity quick commerce environment.

Core Ownership Areas

Category P&L | Assortment & Selection Strategy | Pricing & Trade Margins | Strategic Excellence | Data-Driven Growth | Cross-Functional Leadership

Key Responsibilities

1. Category P&L Ownership

• Own end-to-end revenue, gross margin, and contribution margin for assigned categories
• Drive topline growth while improving margin mix and trade efficiencies
• Build and execute quarterly and annual category growth roadmaps
• Identify high-impact levers: pricing, assortment mix, promotional ROI, vendor funding

2. Assortment & Selection Strategy

• Define ideal SKU mix based on demand trends, dark store constraints, and contribution margins
• Identify assortment gaps and whitespace opportunities
• Optimize long-tail vs. hero SKU mix
• Drive innovation launches and seasonal portfolio expansion

3. Pricing & Competitiveness

• Develop category pricing strategy balancing competitiveness and profitability
• Monitor competitor benchmarks and demand elasticity
• Optimize promotional calendars and trade-funded campaigns
• Improve price perception while protecting contribution margins

4. Operational & Inventory Excellence

• Own category health metrics: fill rate, cancellations, returns, sell-through, inventory turns
• Collaborate with supply chain and planning teams to ensure availability with minimal working capital lock
• Identify systemic inefficiencies and implement scalable fixes
• Improve forecasting accuracy and wastage control

5. Data & Insights Leadership

• Analyze GMV, conversion, repeat rate, basket mix, and customer behavior
• Drive structured weekly/monthly business reviews
• Use SQL/Excel-based deep dives to uncover growth or leakage opportunities
• Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership

6. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with marketing for category campaigns and visibility strategy
• Work with catalog and product teams to improve discoverability and content quality
• Align with finance on margin targets and cost controls
• Mentor and guide junior category managers or analysts

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in category management, strategy, or analytics roles
• Experience in quick commerce, ecommerce, FMCG, or modern trade is a plus
• Proven track record of owning P&L and driving measurable revenue growth

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical rigor (advanced Excel & SQL proficiency required)
• Deep understanding of pricing, margins, and contribution economics
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
• High ownership mindset with bias for action
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and fast-paced environments
• Structured problem-solving approach

What Will Make You Stand Out

• You have strong first principles mindset, while solving any kind of problem statement
• You’ve scaled a category from early stage to high-growth
• You understand quick commerce unit economics (dark store constraints, high inventory turns)
• You think in terms of category profitability, not just GMV growth