Category Manager

Company Description

Specsmakers is one of India’s fastest-growing eyewear brands, operating over 250 stores and delighting more than 10 million customers since its inception in 2007. The company is committed to delivering precision eye care, stylish designs, and transparent pricing to make eyewear accessible and effortless for everyone. Specsmakers values innovation and customer satisfaction at the core of its mission. Here, eyewear is not just about glasses—it’s about how you "Frame Your World."

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Category Manager for a full-time on-site role located in Chennai. The Category Manager will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end category management process, analyzing market trends, establishing strong vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, managing procurement activities, and strategizing to drive category growth. The individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve sales targets and enhance the company’s overall profitability.

Position Title:

Manager - Category (Eyewear and Sunglasses)

Reports to:

VP Merchandising

Location:

Chennai

Role & responsibilities:

· Buy, range and manage the category based on the demands and expectations of our customers.

· Develop the category strategy (business plan) annually and review quarterly.

· Prepare the annual category budget with Finance Input.

· Ensure fair, consistent and competitive pricing on all merchandise.

· Achieve category Sales and Gross Profit Budgets.

· Monthly reporting and ad hoc reviews of category financial performance.

· Analysis and monitoring of market activities for threats and opportunities.

· Identify and source new products and suppliers from both India and overseas, also consolidate the number of suppliers for existing products where commercially appropriate.

· Evaluate products to be ranged and deleted.

· Ensure all deadlines are met for the category in all areas.

· Manage the launch of new products into the market to ensure first to market for all critical new lines.

· Work with the buying team to develop item level and promotional forecasting.

· Update and adjust store and promotional models.

· Respond to customer complaints regarding category products.

· Prepare advertising submissions and attend relevant meetings to brief advertising agency.

· Check advertised offers to ensure adequate stock to cover promotional demand.

· Analyze effectiveness of promotions.

· Ensure Buying process and policies are implemented with regards to pricing, recalling of stock, advertising and introduction on new lines

Preferred candidate profile:

· 5+ years’ experience as a Category Manager managing product portfolios.

· Educational

Qualification:

Post Graduate/MBA

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong negotiation skills.

· Accurate numerical and analytical skills.

· Strong analytical ability and ability to synthesizing information into actionable objectives, planning and outcomes.

· Good fundamental understanding of analytical & communication tools.

· Ability to generate and present actionable recommendations to a diverse range of stakeholders.

· Capable of managing and executing complex project management tasks.

· Data-driven thinking.

· Highly creative and innovative approach.

· Strong collaborative & growth mindset.

· Strong People management skills.

Key Skills

Category Management, Promotion Planning, Revenue Management, Demand Forecasting & Trend Analysis, Assortment Planning, Strategic Thinking, Analytical Skills, Sales Planning, Demand Analysis, Pricing Strategy