CATEGORY MANAGER – DUTY FREE RETAIL

1. Category Strategy & Management

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives and overall retail growth plans.
• Manage product assortments, brand portfolios, and SKU performance across assigned categories.
• Analyze category performance and market trends to identify business opportunities.
• Recommend new product introductions, assortment optimization, and product phase-outs.
• Monitor consumer preferences, competitor activities, and emerging retail trends.

2. Buying & Global Brand Management

• Develop purchasing plans and budgets based on sales forecasts and business targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international brand partners and suppliers.
• Work directly with global brands to negotiate commercial terms, pricing, promotional support, and trading agreements.
• Coordinate new product launches, brand initiatives, and seasonal campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to expand brand portfolios and strengthen strategic partnerships.

3. Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Develop inventory plans to ensure optimal stock availability and inventory turnover.
• Monitor sell-through rates, stock levels, and product performance.
• Identify slow-moving and aging stock and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Logistics and relevant departments to ensure timely product availability and efficient replenishment.

4. Pricing & Trade Promotion

• Develop pricing strategies to achieve sales targets and profitability objectives.
• Plan and oversee trade promotions, seasonal campaigns, and brand activation programs.
• Evaluate promotional effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Monitor gross margins and ensure commercial activities align with business objectives.

5. Business Performance & Reporting

• Monitor sales, gross profit, margins, and other key category performance indicators.
• Analyze business trends and identify opportunities to improve sales and profitability.
• Prepare regular category performance reports and business reviews.
• Develop and implement action plans to achieve category targets.

6. Team Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop the Merchandising / Category Management team.
• Set objectives, allocate responsibilities, and evaluate team performance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Logistics, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure effective execution of category strategies.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Merchandising, Category Management, Buying, or Trade within retail, including at least 2 years in a managerial role.
• Experience in Duty Free, Fashion Retail, Luxury Retail, Beauty & Cosmetics, or large-scale retail operations is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in category planning, product assortment management, purchasing, inventory control, and commercial performance analysis.
• Experience working directly with international brands, global brand partners, or regional suppliers is a strong advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, analytical, and people management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with Power BI or ERP systems is an advantage.
• Good command of English for business communication and negotiation. Additional foreign languages are an advantage.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Application Requirement: Candidates are requested to submit their CVs in English for the recruitment process at Vietnam Duty Free (VDF).