Purpose/Mission of role:
The Category Manager will be responsible for driving the overall strategy, growth, and profitability of assigned
product categories within Esme Consumer. This role involves end-to-end ownership from market analysis and
consumer insights to new product development, brand building, and performance management, ultimately
contributing to Esme’s vision of being the undisputed leader in the mass-market beauty segment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

- Category Strategy & Planning:

o Own the strategy, planning, and execution of a 200 Cr+ category portfolio across Face, Lips, and
Nails, managing 50+ SKUs.
o Drive category growth, profitability, market share, and innovation pipeline in line with annual
business objectives.
o Lead Annual Operating Plan (AOP) creation, forecasting, budgeting, and category growth roadmaps.

- Brand Building & Communication:

o Manage brand equity and ensure consistency in positioning and messaging.

- New Product Development (NPD):

o Identify white spaces and lead the conceptualization, development, and launch of new
products.
o Collaborate with R&D;, packaging, and supply chain for timely product rollouts.

- Market & Consumer Insights:

o Commission and interpret consumer research to guide product and communication
strategies.
o Monitor competition and adapt plans to respond to market dynamics.

- Sales & Trade Collaboration:

o Partner closely with the E-commerce team to drive accelerated category growth and
achieve 2X business scale-up across online channels.Performance Management:
o Track and report key KPIs including category growth, market share, brand health metrics, and
campaign performance.
o Prepare monthly dashboards and present updates to senior leadership.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Management
o Lead cross-functional collaboration across Sales, E-commerce, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D;,
Packaging Development, Manufacturing,



and Demand Planning teams to deliver category objectives.
o Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of launches, promotions,
and category initiatives.
o Drive alignment between business objectives and execution priorities across functions.
o Develop channel-specific growth strategies across Modern Trade, General Trade, E-commerce, and
Quick Commerce platforms.

Experience Required:

- MBA in Marketing
- Minimum 8-10 years in category management

Key Skills and Competencies Required:

- Strong strategic thinking and analytical abilities
- Excellent communication and project management skills
- Deep understanding of brand management, consumer behavior, and go-to-market strategies
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and MS Excel/PowerPoint
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and agencies
- Relevant experience in beauty and FMCG category (Food, Personal Care, Homecare)
- Proven experience in managing large beauty/FMCG categories with P&L; ownership.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Demonstrated team management and leadership experience.
- Ability to manage complex cross-functional projects and multiple business priorities.
- Solid commercial acumen with experience in AOP planning, forecasting, and category profitability

management.
- Experience handling Color Cosmetics categories (Face, Lips, Nails) preferred.
- Experience managing portfolios with 50+ SKUs and 100 Cr+ category turnover.
- Exposure to E-commerce growth and omnichannel category management.

Functional:

- Analytical Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Persistence
- Follow Through on Commitments
- High Standards
- Team Work
- Communication
- Organisation and Planning

Behavioural:

o Self-driven
o Able to influence people
o Good written and verbal communication
o Good stakeholder management
o Able to develop and coach team.
o Enable and drive change

Job Category: Consumer Marketing

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Gurgaon

📌 Senior Category Brand Manager – Consumer Marketing (India)
🏢 ESME
📍 India