About Company
Are you ready to take the helm of key product categories and drive significant market impact? At Career.zycto, we are a forward-thinking enterprise renowned for our innovative approach to supply chain optimization and market leadership in various sectors. We empower our teams to challenge the status quo, fostering an environment where strategic vision and hands-on execution lead to tangible success. For a Category Manager, this means unparalleled autonomy to shape portfolios, influence critical business decisions, and directly contribute to our expansive growth trajectory. Join us to leverage your expertise in a vibrant, collaborative setting where your contributions are highly valued and visibly impact our strategic direction.
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Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a highly strategic and results-oriented Category Manager to join our dynamic team in the bustling Port Area of Rostock. This pivotal role is central to our continued growth and market dominance, requiring an individual who can expertly blend analytical prowess with strong commercial acumen. As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of assigned product categories, from market analysis and strategy development to vendor negotiation, product selection, pricing, promotion, and inventory optimization. You will act as the key expert for your categories, constantly monitoring market trends, competitor activities, and consumer behavior to identify new opportunities and drive innovation.
This position demands a proactive leader who can develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with our overall business objectives and financial targets. You will be instrumental in maximizing sales, profitability, and market share through effective product lifecycle management and strategic supplier relationships. Collaboration is key; you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance, to ensure seamless execution of category plans and achieve shared goals. Your ability to forecast demand accurately, manage budgets effectively, and present compelling data-driven insights will be critical to your success.
At Career.zycto, we believe in empowering our Category Managers to truly own their portfolios. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our product offering and contribute directly to our bottom line. We are looking for someone with a proven track record of driving success in category management, who thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about delivering exceptional value to our customers. If you are a visionary leader with a knack for identifying market gaps and turning them into profitable ventures, we encourage you to apply and help us shape the future of our product categories.
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with business objectives, focusing on growth, profitability, and market share.
- Conduct in-depth market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify new opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
- Manage the entire product lifecycle for assigned categories, including product selection, ranging, pricing, promotion, and discontinuation.
- Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers, build strong vendor relationships, and manage supplier performance.
- Analyze sales data, inventory levels, and financial reports to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure cohesive execution of category plans.
- Forecast demand and manage inventory levels to optimize stock turnover and minimize obsolescence.
- Monitor and report on category performance, presenting insights and recommendations to senior management.
- Identify and evaluate new product opportunities, leading new product development or sourcing initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and internal policies.
- Manage category budgets, ensuring expenditure is controlled and ROI targets are met.
Required Skills
- Minimum 4 years of experience in Category Management, Product Management, or Procurement in a related industry.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful category strategies.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and financial modeling.
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management abilities.
- Proven track record of managing P&L responsibility for assigned categories.
- Proficiency in ERP and CRM systems (e.g., SAP, Salesforce).
- Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, complex formulas).
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Experience in the retail, consumer goods, or logistics sectors.
- German language proficiency (B2 level or higher).
- Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., Category Management Association certification).
- Familiarity with the specifics of port logistics and international trade.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.
- Company pension scheme.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
- Modern office facilities in the Port Area of Rostock.
- Employee discounts on company products.
- Flexible working hours where possible.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are the ideal fit for this role. We look forward to reviewing your application!
