Assistant Manager - Category Operations

Associate Manager – Category Operations Location: Mumbai | Employment Type: Full-time, In-office Experience: 1–4 Years | Qualification: MBA (Mandatory) Preferred Background: Startup / E-commerce / D2C / Healthcare / Retail / Consumer Internet

About the Role We are looking for a highly driven and analytical Associate Manager – Category Operations to drive category growth and operational excellence across category operations, data analytics, brand performance, app merchandising, and commercial optimisation. The role requires strong ownership, attention to detail, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Category Operations: Own day-to-day category operations, particularly OTC; coordinate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Category teams; support product procurement, launches, campaigns, and app events.

2. Data & Business Reporting: Own MIS, trackers, dashboards, and business reports; ensure data accuracy and timely updates; conduct daily/weekly RCA of topline and bottom-line metrics and drive action plans with relevant stakeholders.

3. Brand & ROI Management: Track brand account performance, investments, revenue, spend, margins, and ROI; identify opportunities to optimise brand investments and ensure timely execution of commercial commitments.

4. ROAS & Campaign Optimisation: Monitor campaign performance and ROAS; identify underperforming campaigns, analyse performance across brands/products/placements, and develop actionable strategies to improve efficiency and returns.

5. App Merchandising: Support merchandising across Homepage, Category Pages, Search, Banners, Promotional Modules, and Recommendations; ensure relevant products, brands, and offers are surfaced based on customer demand, inventory, and business priorities.

6. Performance & Growth: Track key metrics including GMV, Revenue, ROI, ROAS, CTR, Conversion, AOV, and Margin to identify growth opportunities and improve category performance.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Excel and strong data-analysis skills
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong ownership, accountability, and problem-solving ability
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Strong communication and execution skills
• Bias for action and ability to work independently
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and ambiguous startup environment
• Ambitious, growth-oriented, and eager to take on increasing responsibility

Experience & Qualification

• MBA is mandatory, preferably in Marketing, Operations, Finance, Business Analytics, or Strategy.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in Category Operations, Business Operations, Commercial Operations, Account Management, E-commerce, or similar roles.
• Experience in an early-to-mid-stage startup is preferred.
• Experience in E-commerce, D2C, Healthcare, Retail, FMCG, or Consumer Internet is an advantage.
• Prior experience working with brands, clients, vendors, or external partners will be preferred.