Category Buyer For OMAN

Fine Tours & Travels Ernakulam

Key Responsibilities

Category & Product Management

• Manage assigned categories, ensuring the right product mix, assortment, and range across all stores.
• Conduct regular category performance reviews to identify gaps, trends, and growth opportunities.
• Introduce new products, brands, and SKUs based on customer preferences, innovation, and market demand.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Warehouse to ensure stock availability and manage seasonal or high-demand periods.
• Oversee the full product lifecyclefrom listing, pricing, and promotions to delisting non-performing items.

Buying, Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international suppliers.
• Negotiate cost prices, margins, trade deals, discounts, and payment terms.
• Ensure suppliers meet standards for product quality, documentation, and delivery timelines.
• Work with import/purchasing teams for exclusive or private-label items.
• Evaluate supplier performance and maintain updated vendor agreements and communication records.

Business Development Agreements (BDA) & Trade Deals

• Prepare, negotiate, and finalize BDAs and trade deals aligned with company strategy.
• Ensure timely documentation, approval, and compliance with finance and audit requirements.
• Track supplier funding, promotional rebates, trade budgets, and settlement status.
• Ensure suppliers deliver agreed targets related to volume, visibility, and promotions.

Pricing, Promotions & Margin Management

• Define and maintain retail pricing strategies ensuring competitiveness and margin protection.
• Plan and execute promotions, offers, and in-store campaigns in coordination with Marketing and Operations.
• Analyze post-promotion performance and ROI to identify improvements.
• Continuously monitor GP and NP margins and implement corrective actions when required.

Store Visits & Execution Monitoring

• Conduct regular store visits to assess category performance, planogram compliance, stock availability, and display execution.
• Identify gaps in shelf space, product visibility, or planogram adherence and take corrective action.
• Review competitor pricing, promotions, and customer behaviour during visits.

Market Research & Consumer Insights

• Conduct market surveys to track competitor pricing, promotions, and product launches.
• Analyze consumer buying trends and adapt category strategies accordingly.
• Develop seasonal and promotional calendars aligned with market needs.

Inventory, Replenishment & Supply Coordination

• Ensure accurate forecasting and replenishment planning to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Logistics for timely deliveries and returns.
• Monitor slow-moving, damaged, or near-expiry items and plan clearance or promotional actions.
• Maintain healthy stock turnover and reduce excess inventory.

Financial & Analytical Reporting

• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on category performance (sales, GP, NP, stock status).
• Track budget performance and report variances vs. planned targets.
• Maintain documentation including BDA files, cost sheets, supplier contracts, and deal summaries.