Zepto - Manager/Senior Manager - Category Management

Details:

Core Areas : Product Sourcing and Selection, Vendor Management, Inventory Management & Fill Rate, Negotiation, Problem solving and stakeholder management

Qualification : 2+ years of experience in category & buying.

Our Story:

Zepto is a fast-growing startup unicorn that delivers groceries in 10 minutes flat through an optimized network of dark stores we're building nationwide! We're present in all Indian metros - Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata

We're incredibly well-funded and our investors include Y Combinator, Glade Brook, Nexus Venture Partners, and more! We've also built out one of the best startup teams in India, with Senior Executives from Uber, Zomato, Meesho, Flipkart, Dream11, and institutions like Stanford, INSEAD, IIM, and IIT

Your Role:

- We are looking for an experienced and dynamic buying manager to join our category team. This role is essential in shaping the product assortment and ensuring that we offer a compelling and diverse range of products to our customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in buying and merchandising, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record in an ecommerce environment

Key Responsibilities:

Product Assortment:

- Source and select a wide range of products that align with our category strategy and meet customer demands.

- Conduct market research to identify new trends, product opportunities, and competitive offerings.

- Develop and maintain a well-balanced and profitable product assortment.

Supplier Relationship Management:

- Establish and nurture strong relationships with suppliers, brands, and manufacturers.

- Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure favorable deals and exclusivity where possible.

- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and high-quality standards of products.

Inventory Management:

- Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize excess inventory.

- Analyze sales data and forecast demand to make informed purchasing decisions.

- Implement strategies to manage slow-moving inventory and reduce obsolescence.

Sales and Marketing Collaboration:

- Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies that drive product visibility and sales.

- Coordinate with the merchandising team to ensure effective product placement and presentation.

Customer Focus:

- Champion a customer-centric approach in all buying decisions, ensuring products meet customer expectations and preferences.

- Utilize customer feedback and insights to refine product assortment and enhance the shopping experience.

- Ensure the highest standards of quality and satisfaction in all purchased products.

What We're Looking For:

- Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

- Proven track record of successful product selection and supplier negotiations.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- Deep understanding of category trends and consumer behavior.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Proficiency in using buying and inventory management software.

Why Join Us?

Zepto is on a blitzscaling path unlike any other startup today. Be the digital flagbearer for demand in this journey.

The opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing unicorns is rare. Also, we're giving our team strong equity to create lasting wealth as our company grows.