Senior Category Manager - Buy Side

Senior Category Manager

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Core Areas : Product Sourcing and Selection, Vendor Management, Inventory Management & Fill Rate, Negotiation, Problem solving and stakeholder management

Qualification: 4+ years of experience in category & buying.

Our Story

Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is on a mission to save you time —making every second count towards life's real joys. Our platform has revolutionised rapid commerce in India with cutting-edge technology and strategically optimised delivery hubs. Zepto offers an extensive range of 45,000+ products, from fresh groceries to electronics, beauty essentials, apparels, toys and more, delivering across 50+ cities in minutes*.

Zepto Café extends our commitment to convenience, featuring a curated menu of over 200 fresh items.

Your Role

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic buying manager to join our category team. This role is essential in shaping the product assortment and ensuring that we offer a compelling and diverse range of products to our customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in buying and merchandising, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record in an ecommerce environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Assortment:

● Source and select a wide range of products that align with our category strategy and meet customer demands.

● Conduct market research to identify new trends, product opportunities, and competitive offerings.

● Develop and maintain a well-balanced and profitable product assortment.

2. Supplier Relationship Management:

● Establish and nurture strong relationships with suppliers, brands, and manufacturers.

● Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure favorable deals and exclusivity where possible. ● Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and high-quality standards of products.

3. Inventory Management:

● Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize excess inventory.

● Analyze sales data and forecast demand to make informed purchasing decisions.

● Implement strategies to manage slow-moving inventory and reduce obsolescence. Sales and

4. Marketing Collaboration:

● Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies that drive product visibility and sales.

● Coordinate with the merchandising team to ensure effective product placement and presentation.

5. Customer Focus:

● Champion a customer-centric approach in all buying decisions, ensuring products meet customer expectations and preferences.

● Utilize customer feedback and insights to refine product assortment and enhance the shopping experience.

● Ensure the highest standards of quality and satisfaction in all purchased products.

What We’re Looking For

● Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

● Proven track record of successful product selection and supplier negotiations.

● Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

● Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

● Deep understanding of category trends and consumer behavior.

● Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

● Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

● Proficiency in using buying and inventory management software.

Think you're the right fit? Apply right away!