Associate Director - Category Management - Beauty

The Associate Director, Category - Beauty will act as the 'business owner' for assigned beauty categories, driving overall strategy, growth, and profitability. This role requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, team leadership, and cross-functional execution. The ideal candidate will possess a complete understanding of the market, customer needs, and all internal / external variables impacting the business, with the ultimate goal of delivering an unparalleled customer experience and achieving ambitious revenue and profitability targets.

Experience - 9 to 13 Years

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Business Ownership

Own the Business : Act as the ultimate business owner for assigned categories, possessing a complete understanding (inclusive of the strategic context) of all internal and external variables that impact your business.

Performance Management : Own forecasting, monitoring, understanding, and reporting on the business performance. Drive projects and promotions to achieve established business objectives.

Growth Strategy : Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for the assigned category to drive growth, increase market share, and enhance the customer experience.

New Opportunities : Create detailed business plans for new category opportunities and develop and execute project plans for the launch of new features, incorporating merchandising and pricing strategies.

Commercial & Vendor Management

Supplier Relations : Guide commercial relationships with suppliers, with a principal objective of achieving optimal cost and performance.

Product Lifecycle : Manage the entire product lifecycle, from sourcing and selection to inventory management and clearance.

Vendor Relationships : Manage day-to-day supplier / partner relationships, negotiate and secure marketing funds, and oversee supplier / partner contracts.

Financial Analysis : Conduct rigorous financial analysis of all business opportunities to meet and exceed revenue and profitability targets.

Customer Experience & Cross-Functional Leadership

Customer Advocacy : Develop a complete understanding of customer needs, both existing and potential. Use this knowledge to advocate for and drive the delivery of site features that provide customers with an unparalleled shopping experience.

Cross-Functional Coordination : Coordinate cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Supply Chain, Tech) and effectively communicate with internal and external parties, while consistently meeting tight deadlines.

Team Leadership & Development

Team Leadership : Lead and develop a high-performing team of category professionals.

Guidance & Mentorship : Set clear expectations, provide guidance, and offer coaching to team members to achieve business objectives and foster their professional growth.