Job Title: Category Lead - UK
Location: London, Birmingham and Manchester, United Kingdom
Company Overview:
Dastgyr Technologies, a leading B2B retail e-commerce startup, is expanding its operations into the imported categories in the UK. To support our growth, we are seeking a dynamic Category Lead. This role focuses on leading the strategy, development, and management of new categories such as agriculture, consumer packaged goods, electronics, fashion, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, etc. This role focuses on establishing and expanding partnerships with key players in the retail and wholesale industries. We are looking for a candidate with extensive experience and a strong network within the retail, wholesale, or distribution sectors. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of building successful partnerships and is eager to leverage their industry connections to drive significant growth for our company.
Job Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Market Analysis
• Develop and execute strategies for the expansion and management of new categories, including consumer packaged goods, electronics, fashion, food & beverage, healthcare, and pet food, with the goal of generating at least $1M in sales within the first 12 months.
• Lead market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning for each category, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Utilize your extensive knowledge and experience in these categories to build a robust sales pipeline and drive market penetration.
• Partnership & Supplier Management
• Establish and expand relationships with key players in the retail, wholesale, and distribution sectors.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers and distributors to ensure profitability and supply chain efficiency.
• Category Performance & Growth
• Drive category performance through innovative sales strategies and business development initiatives to meet or exceed revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify new market opportunities and collaborate with internal teams to launch new products, services, and promotions.
• Product Development & Launches
• Lead product innovation and development efforts, ensuring the introduction of high-quality products that meet market demand.
• Oversee new product launches and collaborate with operations, logistics, and supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery and availability.
• P&L & Financial Management
• Take full ownership of the category's profit and loss (P&L), ensuring that financial objectives such as revenue growth, margin targets, and cost control are achieved.
• Adjust category pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness while ensuring profitability.
• Sales & Business Development
• Take full ownership of the sales cycle, leveraging networks and cold outreach to identify retail/wholesale opportunities.
• Lead meetings, negotiate contracts, and ensure smooth onboarding of new partners, exceeding monthly and annual sales targets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
• At least 8 to 10 years of Experience working in the same category with deep connections with buyers.
• Existing contacts in the retail/wholesale space are a significant plus.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Independent worker capable of taking initiative and thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory.
• Has deep expertise in the knowledge of a category, can quickly determine supply lines and businesses who they have existing relationships with.

What We Offer:

• Above-market salary and performance-based incentives.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for advancement within the company.
• Opportunity to become a part of the early team.
• Experience that builds valuable skills for future career growth.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the retail industry.
• Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance.
• Employee Stock Options for a chance to be part of the company’s success in the future.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £5,000.00 per month
Additional pay:

• Performance bonus
• Yearly bonus

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Employee mentoring programme
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Unlimited paid holidays
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Can you successfully build, scale, and fully lead a category of your own choice and expertise?

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Experience:

• B2B sales: 8 years (required)
• Sales: 8 years (required)
• Business development: 8 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (preferred)

Work Location: Remote
Expected start date: 30/11/2024