Category Manager (Vans) Retail · Kuala Lumpur

The role:

Grow brand/category market share through provision of an effective and innovative product portfolio within the right price and quality in order to drive sales. The role is responsible for contributing to Business Unit’s overall brand/category strategy, as well as partnering and maintaining key relationships with principals for brands/categories managed and maximizes sales and profitability.

Reporting to the Director of Buying & Merchandising, your responsibilities will include:

• Crafting comprehensive business plans to boost sales within your assigned brand/category.

• Utilizing market research and historical data to identify trends and inform strategic planning.
• Segmenting and differentiating consumers within your brand/category.
• Making data-driven decisions on product introduction, assortment, promotions, and pricing.
• Collaborating with retail operations to align business plans with consumer trends and sales figures.
• Staying ahead with market intelligence on competition pricing and trends.
• Analyzing sales performance to identify opportunities and key selling points.
• Managing sales planning and forecasting processes for your brand/category.
• Implementing effective 'in-season' management strategies.
• Overseeing buying requirements and formulating budgets.
• Negotiating with suppliers on pricing and coordinating product launches and marketing campaigns.
• Sharing insights with area and store managers on market dynamics and performance.
• Providing brand/category guidelines for visual merchandising across retail outlets.
• Collaborating with retail marketing for maximum category visibility.
• Analyzing sales data to enhance potential sales opportunities.
• Coordinating product and customer service training with the Human Resources department.

To excel in this role, you ideally possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Marketing or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in Buying and Merchandising is advantageous.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 4 years in leading brand/category management, particularly in sports/lifestyle products.
• Proven track record of team management and fostering team development.
• Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for numbers.
• Exceptional stakeholder management abilities.