Category Management Director

The Category Management Director plays a crucial role in the company’s growth and profitability by optimizing every aspect of category management, from strategy to implementation and performance analysis. They maximize the performance of the product categories they oversee, supporting sales teams.

Main Responsibilities of the Category Management Director

• Develop a category strategy to optimize product assortment, pricing, promotion, product presentation, and merchandising.
• Analyze market trends, understand consumer needs, and anticipate future developments.
• Select products for different categories based on consumer preferences, consumption trends, and sales performance.
• Negotiate sales conditions, pricing, promotions, and commercial agreements while building strong strategic relationships with retailers.
• Analyze sales performance, market share, and consumer trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop promotional plans to boost sales and enhance visibility while collaborating with merchandising teams to optimize in-store product presentation.
• Establish competitive pricing strategies while monitoring market prices to maximize margins while meeting consumer expectations.
• Collaborate with R&D and marketing teams to successfully launch new products.
• Train, mentor, and develop category management team members while fostering a collaborative and motivating work environment.

Required Skills for a Category Management Director

• Ability to analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior.
• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives.
• Capacity to anticipate market changes and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with various departments (marketing, sales, R&D, logistics, finance).
• Talent development and performance management skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to market changes and new opportunities.
• Advanced analytical and decision-making skills, along with proven project management and leadership abilities.

Required Experience for a Category Management Director

• Significant experience in the agri-food sector is often essential, providing an understanding of food product specifics, consumer trends, regulations, and logistical challenges.
• Experience in product category management, including strategy development, partner negotiations, assortment management, and performance analysis.