Head of Non-Food

Job Description – Head of Non-Food

1. Role & Scope

The Head of Non-Food is responsible for defining and executing the commercial strategy across all assigned non-food categories, with a strong focus on own brand development, cost efficiency, and overall category performance.

This role ensures customers receive strong value through:

• High-quality products at competitive pricing
• A clear and differentiated own brand portfolio
• A focused and efficient assortment strategy
• Strong commercial discipline across all categories

The Head of Non-Food acts as a key bridge between strategic direction from senior management and execution by Category Managers, ensuring consistency in sourcing, pricing, and product development.

2. Core Responsibilities

2.1 Category & Commercial Strategy

• Define and execute category strategies aligned with overall business objectives
• Translate company targets into clear plans on assortment, pricing, margin, and own brand development
• Ensure alignment and consistency across all non-food categories

2.2 Category Management Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop Category Managers
• Build strong category expertise within the team, including:
  • Market and competitor understanding
  • Customer insights
  • Pricing strategy
• Set clear KPIs and monitor execution quality

2.3 Own Brand Strategy & Development

• Drive the development and expansion of own brand products across categories
• Ensure own brand products meet strong benchmarks in:
  • Product quality
  • Packaging design
  • Customer value perception
• Oversee full product lifecycle from concept to post-launch review
• Identify opportunities for innovation based on market trends and customer needs

2.4 Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage local and international suppliers
• Lead negotiations to achieve:
  • Competitive cost prices
  • Favorable commercial terms
  • Stable and scalable supply
• Build long-term supplier partnerships
• Escalate key strategic decisions when necessary

2.5 Assortment & Pricing Management

• Define a streamlined and efficient product assortment
• Optimize the balance between own brand and branded products
• Ensure competitive pricing positioning in the market
• Lead regular market benchmarking and price surveys

2.6 Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure high standards of product quality, especially for own brand
• Collaborate closely with Quality Control and external partners
• Participate in key quality checks and product evaluations
• Act as escalation point for quality or supplier-related issues

2.7 Commercial Performance & Governance

• Own full category performance, including:
  • Sales
  • Margin
  • Price competitiveness
  • Own brand contribution
• Prepare and present category strategies in key business meetings
• Ensure structured reporting and data-driven decision making

2.8 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing to:
  • Strengthen own brand visibility
  • Deliver clear and effective customer communication
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance for execution excellence
• Act as advisor to senior leadership on market trends and customer strategy

3. Reporting Lines & Authority

Reports to: Purchasing Director

Direct Reports:

• Category Managers
• Own Brand Development Team
• Purchasing Team

Authority:

• Approve category assortment and pricing within scope
• Co-approve own brand development and supplier contracts
• Make operational sourcing and category decisions

4. Key Accountabilities (KPIs)

• Sales growth and category performance
• Margin and profitability
• Price competitiveness vs. market
• Own brand share and performance
• Product quality and compliance
• Team capability and development

5. Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8–10 years of experience in category management (Non-Food preferred)
• Minimum 3 years in senior leadership or multi-category role
• Strong experience in own brand development and supplier negotiation
• Experience working in fast-paced, international or large-scale retail environments is preferred

6. Competencies

• Strong commercial mindset
• Strategic thinking with execution focus
• Expertise in product development and sourcing
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management
• Leadership and team development capability
• Data-driven decision making

7. Performance Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Commercial results (sales, margin, competitiveness)
• Effectiveness of own brand development
• Product quality and compliance
• Team performance and succession readiness
• Contribution to overall business growth