Company Overview

Ant Mascot is a leading platform specialising in personalised merchandise, office supplies, and corporate gifting. We provide businesses with a wide range of products tailored to their needs, including customisable items, corporate gifts, and festival-related products. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has positioned us as a trusted partner for MSMEs, startups, and large enterprises.

Job Summary

The Category Manager / Category Buyer will be responsible for overseeing the sourcing, procurement, and management of products within a specific category. This role involves strategic planning, supplier management, and ensuring that the product assortment meets customer needs while aligning with Ant Mascot's business objectives. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience in category management, and a deep understanding of market trends and supplier dynamics. Categories like Apparel & Accessories,Audio Entertainment,Baby Products,Bike Accessories,Eco Friendly Products,Electronics, Home & Kitchen,Home and Décor,House Keeping,Office & Stationery,Office Supplies,Pantry, Sports & Fitness, Tools & Equipment,Toys & Gifts,Travel & Luggage.

Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Management

• Develop and implement category strategies to achieve sales, profitability, and market share objectives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive landscape.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts and terms to secure favorable pricing and product availability.
• Monitor and analyze category performance, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize product assortment and achieve financial targets.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop promotional plans and drive category growth.

Procurement and Sourcing

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, assessing their capabilities, quality, and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement and favorable terms.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from order placement to delivery, ensuring timely and accurate fulfilment.
• Implement and maintain effective inventory management practices to minimise stockouts and overstock situations.

Product Management

• Oversee the product lifecycle, from selection and onboarding to discontinuation.
• Ensure that product assortments align with customer preferences and market demands.
• Work closely with the product development team to identify and introduce new products and innovations.
• Monitor product performance, analyzing sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to make informed decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, marketing, and finance, to ensure alignment on category strategies and objectives.
• Provide input and support for budget planning and financial forecasting related to category performance.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives to drive company-wide objectives and improvements.

Reporting and Analytics

• Develop and present regular reports on category performance, including sales, profitability, and inventory metrics.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, forecast demand, and make data-driven decisions.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable insights to improve category performance.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and category management software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.