Company Overview:

Balkans.io is a dynamic and rapidly growing business specialized in E-commerce businesses. We are committed to delivering exceptional online shopping experiences to our customers in the United States and Canada. Our team is made up of innovative, driven, and creative individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment.

We are looking for a Category Manager to join our growth team.

A Category Manager analyses data and insights to identify industry and consumer trends, devises long-term strategies for product categories, develops exit strategies for unsuccessful products, fosters relationships with vendors, determines product positioning, collaborates with marketing teams, and forecasts product demand. They are responsible for the overall management and profitability of a specific product category within a company. 

As a Category Manager, your primary responsibilities revolve around managing a specific category of products or services within a company. Your key result areas (KRAs) typically include:

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement strategies to optimize the performance of your assigned category. This involves analysing market trends, consumer behaviour, and competition to identify opportunities for growth.
• Assortment Planning: Determine the product assortment within your category, considering factors such as customer demand, profitability, and seasonality. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure the availability of desired products.
• Inventory Management/Forecasting: Oversee inventory levels within your category to ensure adequate stock levels while minimizing excess inventory and associated costs. Implement inventory forecasting and replenishment strategies to meet demand efficiently.

• Pricing and Promotion Strategy: Set pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profitability within your category. Monitor competitor pricing and market dynamics to adjust strategies as needed.
• Sales and Revenue Growth: Drive sales and revenue growth for your category through effective marketing initiatives, product launches, and merchandising strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing and sales to execute campaigns successfully.
• Performance Analysis and Reporting: Regularly analyze category performance metrics, including sales trends, profitability, and inventory turnover. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Customer Experience Enhancement: Continuously improve the customer experience within your category by optimizing product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies. Gather feedback from customers and stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement.
• Compliance and Risk Management:Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies within your category. Mitigate risks related to product quality, safety, and legal compliance.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency within your category management function. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities Incudes:

• Analysing data or insights to determine industry and consumer trends
• Devising long-term development strategies for product categories
• Developing exit strategies for unsuccessful products
• Planning & Projection to be offered  to ensure product availability that meets consumer demands
• Determine the positioning of a product category to maximize visibility
• Liaise with marketing teams to determine competitive pricing and promotional activities of a product category
• Collaborate with purchase team and merchandisers to expand product categories
• Make forecasts for product demand to ensure the sustainability of inventory
• Assume responsibility of budget development and revenue for category

Job brief

• We are looking for a Category Manager to manage a group or category of products for our company. You will be the one responsible for the pricing and overall promotion of a product category to maximize consumer appeal. Product range management will also be part of your duties.
• An excellent category manager must have extensive experience in understanding consumer needs and the retail environment. They must have a commercial mindset and full comprehension of marketing and sales principles. Exceptional communication skills are also key for category managers.
• The goal is to increase sales and profitability of business to drive sustainable growth.

Requirements and skills

• Proven experience as category manager or similar role
• Solid knowledge of category management, marketing and sales principles
• Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods
• Proficient in MS Office
• An analytical mind with a strategic ability
• Excellent communication and people skills
• BSc/BA in business administration, marketing or related field

To apply, please send your CV at: [email protected] stating in the subject position you’re applying.