Category Manager - Buyside - Footwear - eCommerce

Job Description: Category Manager (Buy-Side) - Footwear

Industry: Retail/E-commerce/Fashion

Role Type: Full-time

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Category Manager to lead procurement and category management for the footwear segment. This buy-side role requires a strategic professional who can manage supplier relationships, optimize procurement processes, and ensure the availability of a competitive and high-quality footwear portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the footwear market, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to drive growth through effective category planning.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and execute category strategies for the footwear segment by analyzing market trends and consumer demands.

- Identify and establish a reliable, cost-effective supplier base, negotiating favorable terms, and building strong relationships.

- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs like delivery accuracy, product quality, and cost efficiency.

- Collaborate with internal teams to forecast demand, plan procurement schedules, and manage inventory effectively.

- Conduct market research to stay informed on pricing trends, competitor activity, and supplier innovations.

- Ensure consistent availability of products while minimizing overstock and stockouts.

- Implement cost-saving initiatives and optimize procurement processes without compromising product quality.

- Analyze category performance and refine strategies to meet business goals and drive growth.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field; MBA is a plus.

- 3-7 years of experience in category management, procurement, or merchandising, preferably in the footwear or retail industry.

- Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier management skills.

- Deep understanding of the footwear market, including sourcing trends, quality standards, and supplier ecosystems.

- Proficiency in data analysis and tools to drive insights for category planning.

- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

What We Offer

- Opportunity to work in a fast-growing, dynamic environment.

- A collaborative and entrepreneurial team culture.

- Competitive compensation and benefits package.