Role SummaryDrive and manage sales of assigned categories to achieve top line and bottom-line. Provide right product mix to ensure Home Centre achieves its desired market positioningDevelop strategic buying plans for the assigned department/category Ensure smooth buying operations through vendor identification, evaluation and selection, in compliance with the contract principles to achieve the strategic and financial objectives of the concept Key Job Responsibilities Buying Budget and PlanningDetermine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget for the assigned department/categoryAlign the buying plan to the overall department/category business plan and the merchandize strategy as laid down by the department/category managerHelp meet the profit targets by ensuring timely procurement of the department/category MerchandisePursue cost reduction measures through centralized bulk buying and/ or selecting appropriate vendor mix, scanning the environment for benchmarks and constantly improving the purchase process Category Merchandise PlanningDrive customer focused merchandise plans (pricing, promotion, assortment etc.) for the department to achieve sales and market share growth, and freeze associated plan with Merchandise Planning departmentStudy trends from historical data around product category sales and market research to assist in the overall planning processEnsure adherence to financial plan in all key areas - sales, markdowns, margin & average inventory Category Design and QualityEnsure optimum utilization of customer and market research information to guide department decisions on the introduction of new products, product assortment, shelf layout, promotion and pricing of products in the storeWork with Quality to ensure that the merchandise procured and received meets the quality standards set by Home Centre Vendor ManagementDevelop an adequate vendor base for the concept through active scouting and negotiation / renegotiationBuild and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiate the best deals with them for procuring merchandiseMaintain contact with vendors; update list of vendors for bidding purposes; attend product demonstrations, obtain samples and literature regarding potential products and vendor capabilities and confer with end usersIdentify, evaluate and select appropriate vendor mix to achieve business objectives Order managementPlace orders based on the buying plan and ensure merchandise is delivered as per the plan based on the agreed service level agreementImplement financial and credit services agreement with the vendor that maximize profit and positively contribute to cash flowTrack the merchandise transportation from supplier to landmark distribution center and ensure smooth flow of goodsFollow the reverse logistics guidelines to send the faulty / damaged goods back to the vendor Vendor and Product ResearchIdentify and leverage alternate buying opportunities to source products and to ensure that company maintains its competitive edge by constant renegotiationEnsure effective communication, collation and follow-up on various product requirements and findings obtained from the sales/store dataKeep abreast of the latest trends in buying and discuss the same with the department/category Manager from time to time to assess realignment of existing processesMap competition prices / products and provide qualitative inputs to the businessGather information from Industry trade groups or through trade shows/market visits People / Team ManagementAssign responsibilities and set expectationsGive regular feedback to teamProvide support and guide the team to deliver on the job