Role Objective
We are looking for an experienced Category & Purchase Lead to manage end-to-end category and purchasing activities for the retail business. The role will be responsible for category planning, product sourcing, vendor management, price negotiation, assortment, margin management and ensuring optimum product availability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Purchase & Vendor Management
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Manage day-to-day purchase requirements for the retail business.
- Identify, evaluate and develop reliable suppliers and vendors.
- Negotiate purchase prices, margins, credit terms, schemes and commercial terms.
- Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors and develop new vendor partnerships.
- Coordinate with vendors and logistics partners to track shipments and ensure on-time delivery up to the retail store.
- Follow up on pending orders, shortages, damages and quality issues and ensure timely resolution.
- Ensure products are delivered in the right quantity, quality and condition as per the purchase order.
- Coordinate with Finance for invoice and payment-related matters.
2. Product Sourcing & Assortment
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Source products across categories such as FMCG, Grocery, Personal Care, Home Care, Beverages and other retail categories.
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Identify new products and brands based on customer demand and market trends.
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Ensure appropriate product assortment and availability at competitive prices.
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Coordinate with internal teams to understand product requirements and customer preferences.
3. Pricing & Margin Management
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Compare supplier prices and ensure competitive purchase rates.
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Monitor market prices and competitor pricing.
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Work towards maintaining desired margins across product categories.
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Negotiate schemes, discounts and promotional support with vendors.
4. Inventory & Stock Planning
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Monitor stock levels and plan replenishment based on sales and inventory movement.
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Identify fast-moving and slow-moving products and take appropriate purchase decisions.
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Minimise stock-outs, excess inventory and expiry-related losses.
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Coordinate with stores and warehouse teams to ensure timely stock availability.
5. Purchase Planning & Analysis
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Analyse sales and purchase data to plan future requirements.
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Review product-wise sales, stock movement, margins and purchase trends.
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Prepare regular purchase and vendor performance reports.
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Use Excel/ERP systems for purchase planning and analysis.
6. Vendor & Commercial Coordination
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Ensure timely delivery of purchase orders.
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Follow up with vendors regarding pending orders, shortages, damages and quality issues.
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Coordinate with Finance for invoice and payment-related matters.
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Resolve vendor-related issues effectively.
Key Skills Required
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Strong knowledge of retail purchasing and FMCG procurement
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Vendor management and negotiation skills
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Good understanding of retail pricing, margins and schemes
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Knowledge of supermarket/modern retail product categories
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Strong analytical and numerical skills
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Good knowledge of MS Excel and ERP/Purchase systems
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Ability to manage multiple vendors and product categories
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Strong communication and negotiation skills
Preferred Candidate Profile
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Experience in modern retail, supermarket, hypermarket or FMCG retail will be preferred.
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Hands-on experience in vendor negotiation, product sourcing, purchase planning and stock management.
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Experience in handling multiple product categories will be an advantage.
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Should be comfortable working with vendors, stores, warehouse and internal teams.
