Head of Category - Retail

About the role

The Head of Category / Brand defines and leads the strategic direction of the assigned brand(s) or product categories across all assigned markets, with full accountability for commercial performance and P&L. The role sets the vision for the category, driving profitability, innovation and customer satisfaction, and owns product assortments, buying, merchandising and inventory while keeping global consistency and allowing local adaptation.

Key responsibilities

• Define and own the long-term (3-5 year) global category strategy, aligned with the brand vision and endorsed by senior leadership
• Lead product innovation and differentiation, anticipating customer needs and industry trends
• Set a unified strategy across regions, with local markets adapting within the defined framework
• Approve assortment architecture and Open-to-Buy budgets, and direct the global buying strategy, including negotiations with key suppliers and brand principals
• Set merchandising strategies and own inventory allocation across markets to maximise stock productivity and minimise working capital imbalances
• Own the category P&L and key KPIs (sales, gross margin, stock turn, sell-through) and report to executive leadership
• Partner with Marketing, Retail Operations, Supply Chain and Finance, and influence senior stakeholders on strategy and investment
• Lead, structure and develop a global team of Category Managers, Buyers and Planners, building leadership capability and succession
• Identify emerging trends, new brands, markets and formats, and lead the business cases to pursue them

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management or a related field; a postgraduate degree such as an MBA is advantageous
• 10+ years in category management, buying or merchandising in multi-brand retail, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record of owning and growing a multi-market category or brand P&L
• Experience leading and developing managers and multi-disciplinary teams
• Senior-level negotiation experience with major international brands and suppliers

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of inventory optimisation and SAP ERP
• Strong command of Power BI and data analytics for commercial decision-making
• Strategic planning, commercial judgement and stakeholder influence
• Leadership, mentoring and communication skills, able to present to executive leadership