Category Manager - Apparel
About the Role:
We are looking for a Category Manager – Apparel who will own the end-to-end performance of the Fashion category.
This role goes beyond procurement. You will act as the Business Owner for Fashion—driving assortment strategy, vendor partnerships, pricing, private label opportunities, inventory health, and P&L performance.
You will work closely with sourcing, merchandising, supply chain, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure the category delivers strong growth, margins, and customer value.
Roles & Responsibilities
Category Ownership & Growth
Own the complete P&L for the Fashion category
Define and execute category growth strategy across key segments such as Men’s, Women’s, Kidswear, Footwear, and Accessories
Build and optimize assortment based on customer demand, seasonality, regional preferences, and emerging trends
Develop pricing architecture aligned to SuperK’s value positioning while protecting margins
Vendor Management & Brand Partnerships
Identify, onboard, and manage key vendors, manufacturers, and brand partners
Negotiate commercial terms, margins, credit terms, and trade agreements
Drive Joint Business Planning (JBP) with strategic brand partners
Build long-term partnerships to unlock exclusives, better commercials, and differentiated assortment
Assortment, Merchandising & Product Strategy
Curate winning assortments balancing core, seasonal, and trend-led products
Drive SKU productivity and rationalization across stores and E-Com
Collaborate on visual merchandising and in-store presentation to improve sell-through
Identify whitespace opportunities and support private label/category expansion
Inventory & Availability Management
Ensure high on-shelf availability across stores and online channels
Work closely with supply chain and planning teams to reduce stock-outs, overstock, and ageing inventory
Manage seasonal transitions and end-of-season liquidation efficiently
Maintain updated assortment and pricing across channels
Data & Performance Tracking
Track category KPIs: revenue, margin, inventory turns, sell-through, markdowns, vendor performance, and availability
Use data and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and corrective actions
Continuously improve category playbooks and operating processes
What we are looking for
3–6 years of experience in Category Management / Buying / Merchandising within Fashion Retail, Apparel, or Value Retail
Strong exposure to Fashion/Apparel categories
Proven experience in vendor management and commercial negotiations
Strong understanding of fashion trends, seasonality, and inventory cycles
Strong analytical mindset with P&L ownership
Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution
High ownership and comfort working in a fast-scaling startup
Location - Bangalore