Category Lead/Director (Beauty Unit)
The role oversees the overall performance and growth of the Beauty business unit, with full accountability for commercial, operational, and financial results. This role leads a team of brand managers and store operators, ensuring day-to-day excellence and sustained brand performance across multiple e-commerce platforms.
Working closely with the Country Head, the role identifies growth opportunities, shapes business strategies, and drives continuous improvement of internal processes. Success in this role requires a strong track record in building and scaling beauty brands within e-commerce environments, coupled with sharp strategic judgment, problem-solving capabilities, and effective people leadership.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling them to mentor teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and establish trusted partnerships with key external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team to achieve business and brand objectives
- Define and execute comprehensive business plans with clear KPIs, supported by robust marketing, commercial, and operational strategies
- Own the financial performance and profitability of the Beauty business unit
- Monitor and analyze business results, identifying opportunities for growth and operational improvement
- Establish and share best practices across the organization
- Contribute to commercial process development and overall business planning initiatives
- Review, enhance, and implement efficient operational workflows and procedures
- Coach, train, and mentor team members to support long-term capability building
- Build, manage, and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including brand partners and marketplace platforms
- Lead negotiations and manage annual commercial agreements with brands and e-commerce partners
- Proactively resolve issues in collaboration with internal teams and external partners
- Identify emerging e-commerce and beauty industry trends, translating insights into actionable growth initiatives
- Lead the preparation and presentation of business and product proposals to existing and prospective partners
- Drive long-term talent development and succession planning within the team
Requirements
- Minimum of 7 years experience in e-commerce, commercial, or category management
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, or a related discipline
- Strong strategic mindset with proven negotiation and decision-making skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with high attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management capabilities
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills in fast-paced environments
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders
- Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics
