Category Manager

About UsEstablished in 1972, Guardian Health & Beauty is Singapore’s Number 1 Health and Beauty retailer. With more than 110 stores nation-wide, it retails a comprehensive range of health & beauty products. Guardian has evolved from its pharmacy roots to a holistic one-stop solution for customers’ health and beauty needs. It continues to expand its products and service range to meet the redefinition of beauty by today’s customers – where health meets beauty.With a strong health heritage, it has the largest network of award-winning pharmacists and a wide selection of health products. Professional services such as patient-care counselling, dispensary services, beauty and personal care solutions are offered at stores as a convenient one-stop for health and beauty. Guardian also operates its online store with more than 9,000 products available and offers the “Click & Collect” services.Guardian Health & Beauty is a Progressive Wage (PW) mark accredited company.Role PurposeAs a Category Manager, you will own and drive the performance of assigned categories within Guardian Singapore—shaping strategy, building brands, and delivering strong commercial outcomes across stores and e-commerce.You will be responsible for end-to-end category management—from strategy, supplier negotiations, and pricing to in-store execution and campaign performance. This role requires a strong balance of commercial thinking, data-driven decision-making, and hands-on execution.Principal Accountabilities-     Own Category Strategy & PerformanceLead category strategy to deliver sales, profit, and income growthAnalyze market trends, customer insights, and competitor activities to identify opportunitiesDefine and execute assortment, pricing, and promotional strategiesDrive category productivity (e.g., sales per bay, margin optimization, stock efficiency)-     Drive Brand Growth & InnovationManage and grow a portfolio of brands, including new brand onboarding and developmentIdentify and introduce new trends, innovations, and exclusive rangesWork closely with suppliers to build joint business plans and growth strategiesDevelop differentiated propositions (e.g., wellness trends, functional benefits, new formats)-      Lead Commercial Negotiations & PartnershipsNegotiate trading terms, pricing, and promotional investments with suppliersEnsure strong margin structure and sustainable commercial agreementsDrive accountability on sales targets, marketing support, and execution commitments-     Deliver Omnichannel ExcellenceEnsure strong execution across stores, e-commerce, and campaignsLead planogram strategy and merchandising to optimize space productivity and customer experienceCollaborate with Marketing on campaigns, activations, and retail media opportunities-      Lead Projects & Cross-Functional ExecutionTake ownership of key commercial projects and strategic initiativesWork closely with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver resultsDrive improvements in processes, execution standards, and category performance-     Develop People & Build CapabilitySupport development of junior team members and build category management capabilities within the teamFoster a culture of learning, ownership, and continuous improvementWho We Are Looking ForWe are looking for commercially driven individuals who can own a business, not just manage tasks.Job RequirementsDegree in Business, Marketing, Pharmacy, or related field3–6 years’ experience in FMCG, retail, e-commerce, or category managementProven track record in managing categories/brands and driving sales performanceExperience in supplier/vendor management and commercial negotiationsStrong commercial acumen (pricing, margin, promotions, P&L understanding)Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data interpretationKey TraitsProactive & results-driven – takes ownership and drives outcomesOpen-minded & forward-thinking – embraces new ideas, trends, and ways of workingStrong commercial acumen – understands margins, pricing, and business leversProject ownership mindset – able to lead and deliver multiple initiativesAdaptable & agile – thrives in a fast-paced, evolving retail environmentStrong multitasking & organizational skills – able to manage complexity and prioritiesCollaborative leader – able to influence stakeholders and work cross-functionallyImportant to NoteThis is a high ownership role requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on executionCandidates must be comfortable operating in a data-driven, performance-focused environmentAbility to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders is criticalWhy Join UsOwnership of a high-impact category with visible business outcomesOpportunity to shape category strategy, brand portfolio, and innovation pipelineExposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-makingPlatform to grow into Senior Category Manager / Commercial Leadership roles