Category Manager

Job Description: Liquor Category Manager (Distribution Business)

Job Title

Liquor Category Manager

Reports To

General Manager

Job Summary

The Liquor Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, market share, and supplier partnerships across the liquor portfolio. This role manages product assortment, pricing, promotions, inventory performance, supplier relationships, and category performance analysis to maximize revenue and meet customer demand within the distribution business.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Growth

• Develop and implement category plans aligned with company sales and profit objectives.
• Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, competitor activities, and industry developments.
• Identify opportunities for portfolio expansion, premiumization, and new product introductions.
• Set category sales, margin, and growth targets.

Supplier & Brand Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with liquor suppliers, brand owners, and key stakeholders.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, promotional funding, pricing, rebates, and trading terms.
• Coordinate supplier business reviews and joint business planning initiatives.
• Evaluate supplier performance and recommend portfolio adjustments.

Product Portfolio Management

• Manage product assortment across spirits.
• Ensure optimal SKU mix based on customer demand, profitability, and market opportunities.
• Lead new product launches inline with brands best practices and recomendations
• Monitor product performance and rationalize underperforming SKUs.

Pricing & Profitability

• Develop pricing strategies that balance market competitiveness and profitability.
• Analyze gross margins, pricing trends, and promotional effectiveness.
• Monitor category financial performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary.

Sales & Marketing Support

• Collaborate with sales teams to develop category-focused sales initiatives.
• Work with bands to plan and execute promotional programs, activations, and seasonal campaigns.
• Provide category insights, training, and product knowledge to sales teams.
• Support key account negotiations with category expertise and market intelligence.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Work closely with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure product availability.
• Forecast demand and manage inventory levels to minimize stock shortages and excess inventory.
• Monitor inventory turnover, aging stock, and replenishment performance.
• Assist in managing regulatory and compliance requirements related to liquor distribution.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sales data, market share, customer trends, and category performance metrics.
• Prepare regular performance reports and recommendations for management.
• Use data-driven insights to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Category sales growth
• Gross profit and margin achievement
• Market share growth
• Inventory turnover and stock availability
• Promotional ROI
• SKU productivity and portfolio optimization

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Commerce, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in category management, brand management, purchasing, or sales within the liquor, FMCG, beverage, or distribution industry.
• Strong understanding of liquor categories
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial agreements.
• Advanced analytical and financial management skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic planning and category management
• Commercial negotiation and supplier management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Financial acumen and margin management
• Inventory and demand planning knowledge
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Advanced Excel and BI reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities

Preferred Experience

• Experience in beverage alcohol distribution, wholesale, or retail operations.
• Knowledge of liquor licensing and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing major international and local liquor brands.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.

Working Conditions

• Office/home-based with regular travel to suppliers, customers, trade events, and industry functions.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for industry events, product launches, and promotions.

Salary Range: Based on experience, market conditions, and business size.
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent.