Category Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Category Management: Identify suitable products, evaluate market opportunities, and develop product offerings based on business and client requirements.
• Supplier Development: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and trading companies, particularly in China.
• Product Sourcing: Identify reliable suppliers and suitable products that meet required specifications, quality standards, budgets, and timelines.
• Commercial Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities, payment terms, production costs, and delivery schedules to achieve competitive commercial outcomes.
• Product Development: Coordinate product customisation, samples, specifications, packaging, and production arrangements with suppliers.
• Cost Management: Evaluate quotations, compare supplier options, and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency and profitability.
• Supplier Performance: Assess supplier capabilities, quality, reliability, and delivery performance while developing long-term partnerships.
• Market Research: Monitor product trends, manufacturing capabilities, and market developments to identify new opportunities.
• Order Coordination: Work with internal stakeholders and suppliers to monitor production progress, resolve issues, and ensure timely delivery.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with relevant teams to understand requirements and ensure products meet agreed expectations.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in category management, product sourcing, procurement, merchandising, or product development.
• Fluency in Mandarin is preferred to communicate effectively with suppliers and business stakeholders.
• Established connections with suppliers or manufacturers in China.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills and the ability to secure competitive pricing.
• Experience managing supplier quotations, product specifications, samples, and production timelines.
• Good understanding of supplier evaluation, cost management, and quality requirements.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to China when required.