Associate Category Manager - B2B Marketplace & New Retail Platform

About the Company:

This B2B marketplace and New Retail platform is transforming India's Kirana stores into modern convenience grocery stores. Through four proprietary platforms-an online marketplace, supply chain and logistics, SME lending, and a retail platform-this company empowers traditional stores with J24 branding, advanced technology, and operational tools to elevate their in-store experiences. The platform integrates real-time data insights, loyalty programs, and omni-channel connections, bringing local stores online and connecting with platforms like Swiggy, Dunzo, and Flipkart.

Founded by two Stanford MBA alumni, this company has raised over $54M from notable investors and is driven by a team of experts from top institutions and leading companies. With COVID-19 spotlighting the critical role of Kirana stores in India's food and grocery market, the company is positioned to capture significant growth opportunities by addressing the unique needs of the next billion consumers. It's not just a marketplace; it's a movement to reshape India's grocery ecosystem with innovative technology, resilient supply chains, and customer-centred services, all while promising impactful and fulfilling work for its team.

Mandatory

1. Strong Category Manager / Procurement Profile in the Packaged Foods industry.

2. Must have a minimum of 6 months of experience in Category Management, Vendor Management, or Procurement in the food industry in Packaged Foods and beverages.

3. Must have strong Buying / Procurement experience in packaged Foods & beverages Category

4. Inventory Monitoring - Proficiency in tracking stock levels, analyzing slow-moving stock, and managing Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ).

5. Purchase & Delivery - Map/unmap products, raise POs with desired vendors, and monitor negative margins at the product level.

6. Must be from the Retail, e-commerce, or FMCG industry

Role & Responsibilities

1. Vendor Management & Negotiation: Manage vendor relationships, negotiate local rates to meet cost-per-unit targets, and ensure timely product delivery.

2. Inventory Monitoring: Track stock levels, share daily reports on low inventory, and ensure minimum order quantities (MOQ) are met.

3. Purchase Order Coordination: Map/unmap products, raise POs with desired vendors, and monitor negative margins at the product level.

4. Cross-functional Collaboration: Meet regularly with the Business Operations and Growth teams to align on stock availability, sales plans, and product launches.

5. Payment & Delivery Follow-up: Coordinate with Finance on vendor payments to avoid delays, and ensure smooth vehicle offloading at Distribution Centers (DC).

6. Vendor Sourcing: Identify and onboard alternate vendors to maintain product availability and address supply gaps.

7. Stock Management: Monitor the put-away status of inventory, manage slow-moving stock, and support sales strategies for excess inventory.

8. Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular performance updates, including benchmarking new products, sales plans, and launch strategies.

Ideal Candidate

1. First Principles Problem solver

2. Proven experience in category management, vendor management, or procurement, preferably in a retail, e-commerce environment, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

3. Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel

4. Strong understanding of supply chain processes and inventory management best practices.

5. Ability to manage relationships with both local vendors.

6. Strong negotiation skills and a keen eye for cost optimization.

7. Ability to work independently with limited support in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

8. Hunger to work, deliver, and grow in a rapidly growing organization

9. Experimentative mindset: Ideate, try, measure, learn, document and help improve our ways of working

10. Good collaboration skills - great at communication and negotiation - Ability to influence a variety of stakeholders without relying on positional authority

11. Willingness to get your hands dirty: Learn from customers, manufacturers and on-ground teams about their business and challenges