Category Manager - Electronics, Home & Lifestyle, Automobile

Company Overview

We are a leading e-commerce marketplace platform connecting millions of customers with thousands of sellers across India. We're looking for a dynamic Category Manager to drive growth and strategy across our Electronics, Home & Lifestyle, and Automobile & Motorcycles categories.

Position Summary

The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive category strategies to drive revenue growth, enhance customer experience, and strengthen vendor relationships across Electronics, Home & Lifestyle, and Automobile & Motorcycles categories. This role requires deep marketplace expertise, analytical thinking, and strong business acumen.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive category growth strategies aligned with business objectives
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities
• Create category roadmaps and seasonal merchandising plans
• Define category positioning and value propositions for different customer segments
• Analyze category performance metrics and implement data-driven improvements

Vendor Management & Partnerships

• Onboard and manage relationships with key vendors, brands, and sellers
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing strategies, and promotional agreements
• Collaborate with vendors on product assortment planning and inventory management
• Develop exclusive partnerships and co-marketing initiatives
• Conduct regular business reviews and performance assessments with partners

Product Portfolio Management

• Curate and optimize product catalog across all three categories
• Ensure product listing quality, accuracy, and compliance with platform standards
• Manage product launches, including new brand introductions and seasonal collections
• Monitor product performance and implement corrective actions for underperforming items
• Collaborate with private label teams on product development opportunities

Marketing & Merchandising

• Plan and execute category-specific marketing campaigns and promotional activities
• Optimize product visibility through search, browse, and recommendation algorithms
• Coordinate with marketing teams on advertising strategies and budget allocation
• Develop category-specific content strategy and customer communication
• Manage pricing strategies and promotional calendar

Analytics & Performance Management

• Track and analyze key performance indicators including GMV, units sold, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management
• Conduct deep-dive analysis on category trends, customer behavior, and market dynamics
• Implement A/B tests and experiments to optimize category performance
• Monitor competitive landscape and benchmark performance

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with supply chain, logistics, and fulfillment teams to ensure smooth operations
• Collaborate with customer service teams to resolve category-specific issues
• Partner with technology teams on platform enhancements and new feature development
• Coordinate with legal and compliance teams on regulatory requirements
• Support finance teams with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or related field
• 4-7 years of experience in e-commerce, retail, or marketplace platforms
• Prior experience in category management, product management, or business development
• Experience with Electronics, Home & Lifestyle, or Automobile categories preferred

Technical Skills

• Experience with e-commerce platforms and marketplace tools
• Familiarity with inventory management and supply chain concepts
• Understanding of Indian e-commerce regulations and compliance requirements

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Proven negotiation and relationship management skills
• Customer-centric mindset with focus on user experience
• Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of Indian marketplace ecosystem
• Knowledge of category-specific trends and consumer behavior
• Awareness of brand dynamics and vendor ecosystem
• Understanding of pricing strategies and promotional mechanics
• Familiarity with mobile commerce and digital payment systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, or similar marketplace platforms
• International e-commerce or retail experience
• Experience with private label or exclusive brand partnerships
• Knowledge of automotive industry and electronics market trends