Lead Associate - Category Management Job Description Overview: The Lead Associate - Category Management plays a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing the category management process within the organization. With 5-11 years of experience, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of category management principles. Responsibilities: • Develop and implement category management strategies to drive business growth and maximize profitability. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze market trends, competitor activities, and consumer insights to identify opportunities for category expansion. • Lead the development and execution of assortment plans, pricing strategies, and promotional activities for assigned categories. • Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with terms and conditions. • Monitor category performance metrics, conduct regular reviews, and implement corrective actions to achieve targets. • Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in category management to continually improve processes and drive innovation. • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior category management associates, fostering their professional development and growth within the organization. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns that drive category sales and enhance brand visibility. • Prepare and present category performance reports, insights, and recommendations to senior management to support decision-making and strategic planning. • Stay abreast of competitor activities, market dynamics, and consumer preferences to anticipate opportunities and threats in the marketplace.