Role Overview:

The Category Associate supports the Category Manager in executing category strategies to drive sales growth, profitability, supplier performance, and optimal inventory management. The role focuses on data analysis, supplier coordination, pricing support, inventory planning, and operational execution of category initiatives while ensuring alignment with company policies and commercial objectives

Responsibilities:

• Analyze market data and insights to identify industry trends, consumer needs, and opportunities for growth.
• Support category and brand planning through sales analysis, demand forecasting, and performance monitoring.
• Develop, draft, and negotiate joint business plans with suppliers in alignment with company strategy.
• Devise long-term development strategies for brands, suppliers, and product portfolios.
• Develop pricing strategies per product and warehouse based on market trends and coordinate pricing, promotions, and product launches.
• Build and maintain trustful relationships with suppliers.
• Track supplier performance, delivery timelines, and compliance with agreements to ensure timely execution and optimize lead times.
• Coordinate with internal teams for smooth execution of product strategies.
• Ensure proper tracking, recording, and collection of supplier rebates, price drop credit notes, and other financial entitlements.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in category management, procurement, merchandising, or supply chain operations
• Strong communication, analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Basic negotiation and commercial awareness skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and reporting tools.