Senior Category Manager – Strategic Sourcing & Merchandising

About the role

The Senior Category Manager leads the day‑to‑day sourcing and merchandising activities for the Operations Department, aligning them with the company’s strategic plan. This role drives profitability and sustainable growth through category strategy, supplier management, pricing and sourcing optimisation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute category‑specific commercial strategies to meet growth and profit targets.
• Manage annual budgets for category sourcing, ensuring cost‑effectiveness.
• Identify new market opportunities in partnership with Marketing.
• Oversee category expansion, pricing structures, and supplier relationships.
• Define merchandising and sourcing strategies, including product range and pricing frameworks.
• Conduct competitor and market analysis, monitoring pricing, availability and consumer trends.
• Monitor brand and category performance and recommend promotional activities.
• Coordinate sourcing proposals, evaluate supplier performance and ensure quality delivery.
• Build long‑term, value‑driven supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sales, Store Operations and HR to align objectives.
• Prepare and present analytical reports on performance, trends and forecasts.

Required profile

• Proven experience in category management, sourcing or merchandising.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of improving gross margin.
• Ability to lead, develop and motivate a category management team.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with finance, sales and operations.

Required skills