Category Manager - Fragrances

Objective:

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with global fragrance houses, distributors, and local partners while negotiating commercial terms, marketing support, and exclusivity. Oversee promotional calendars, inventory planning, and in-store execution to deliver compelling fragrance storytelling and exceptional customer experience.

Key Responsibilities:

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Category Growth & Performance

• Drive category sales growth and profitability across retail stores and e-commerce platforms.
• Define pricing architecture aligned with market benchmarks and brand positioning.
• Monitor category performance, analyze trends, and implement strategies to maximize contribution.
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Assortment & Brand Management

• Lead brand selection and product assortment planning to ensure a competitive and compelling offering.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with global fragrance houses, distributors, and local partners.
• Negotiate commercial terms, including rebates, exclusivity, marketing support, and payment conditions.
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Marketing & In-Store Execution

• Plan and execute promotional calendars, including in-store activations, sampling programs, and digital campaigns.
• Support visual merchandising guidelines and deliver engaging fragrance storytelling in-store.
• Train retail teams on new launches, hero products, and fragrance profiling to enhance customer experience.
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Supply Chain & Inventory Control

• Collaborate with supply chain teams to manage lead times, replenishment cycles, and store allocations.
• Plan forecasting and inventory control to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize shortages.
• Coordinate with logistics and operations to maintain smooth product flow across channels.

Desired Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus
• Proven experience in category management, merchandising, or buying within retail or beauty/fragrance industry
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data interpretation and forecasting
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building capabilities with global and local partners
• Solid understanding of pricing strategies, promotional planning, and market benchmarking
• Knowledge of supply chain processes, inventory control, and replenishment cycles
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with ERP systems; experience with e-commerce platforms is an advantage
• Strong communication and presentation skills to train and influence cross-functional teams
• Creative mindset with attention to detail and passion for fragrance and luxury retail