Kavya VH
Bangalore
Summary
Category Manager with 8 years of expertise in scaling categories and enhancing margins across Quick Commerce, Retail, FMCG, and Beauty & Personal Care sectors. Proven ability in managing end-to-end category processes, including assortment strategy, pricing, promotions, and vendor negotiations. Utilizes a structured, data-driven methodology to foster strong supplier relationships and optimize category P&L in fast-paced retail settings.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Manager
Landmark Group - Max Hypermarket
Bangalore
08.2025 - Current
- Lead category strategy across assortment, pricing, promotions, and supplier partnerships in a large-format retail environment.
- Manage category performance metrics, margin delivery, availability, and inventory productivity.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to execute promotions, merchandising plans, and supply alignment.
Category Manager
Swiggy Instamart
Bangalore
12.2024 - 07.2025
- Managed high-velocity Q-commerce categories across Personal Care, Beauty, Accessories, Fragrance, and General Merchandise.
- Developed and expanded vendor network pan-India; negotiated TOTs and sourcing commercials to improve margins.
- Implemented cost-plus sourcing and strategic buying models to enhance profitability.
- Ensured >96% fill rate through accurate forecasting, replenishment planning, and inventory control.
- Planned and closed monthly/quarterly promotions, visibility investments, and volume incentives.
- Worked closely with marketing on campaigns, CRM initiatives, and merchandising execution.
- Managed SKU-level inventory across stores and DCs; supported finance reconciliations and closures.
Assistant Category Manager - Buying & Merchandising
Health & Glow
Bangalore
12.2022 - 11.2024
- Designed and launched new categories and SKUs; managed merchandising presentation and pricing.
- Negotiated supplier contracts, managed category budgets, and developed alternate suppliers to mitigate risk.
- Analyzed sales and competitor data to identify growth opportunities and optimize assortment.
- Owned inventory decisions, OOS reduction, case fill rate, and serviceability KPIs.
Assistant Manager - Buying & Merchandising
Store King (Localcube Commerce Pvt. Ltd.)
Bangalore
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Managed buying, demand planning, replenishment, logistics, and warehousing operations.
- Rolled out forecasting plans to reduce variance, wastage, and excess inventory.
- Supported category expansion and operational SOP development.
Assistant Manager - Procurement
Elior India Food Services Pvt. Ltd.
Bangalore
04.2018 - 07.2020
- Managed strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, and procurement planning for food services operations.
- Improved cost efficiency through vendor consolidation and contract renegotiation.
Senior Executive - Supply Chain
Sodexo India Onsite Services Pvt. Ltd.
Bangalore
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Supported supply planning, vendor coordination, and inventory control.
- Developed SOPs and managed planners using SAP, BAAN, and GMS systems.
Education
MBA - Agri Business Management
University of Agricultural Sciences
Dharwad01.2016
B.Sc - Agriculture
University of Agricultural Sciences
BangaloreSkills
- Category and P&L management
- Vendor and contract negotiation
- Strategic sourcing
- Pricing and promotion strategy
- Demand forecasting and replenishment
- Inventory optimization
- Merchandising and visibility planning
- Market and competitor analysis
- Cost reduction strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven decision making
Languages
- English
- Kannada
- Hindi
- Coorgi
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Tools: SAP, Excel (advanced), SQL, Tableau, Salesforce
- Systems: ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), vendor management systems (VMS)
Timeline
Category Manager
Landmark Group - Max Hypermarket
08.2025 - Current
Category Manager
Swiggy Instamart
12.2024 - 07.2025
Assistant Category Manager - Buying & Merchandising
Health & Glow
12.2022 - 11.2024
Assistant Manager - Buying & Merchandising
Store King (Localcube Commerce Pvt. Ltd.)
08.2020 - 12.2022
Assistant Manager - Procurement
Elior India Food Services Pvt. Ltd.
04.2018 - 07.2020
Senior Executive - Supply Chain
Sodexo India Onsite Services Pvt. Ltd.
01.2016 - 04.2018
MBA - Agri Business Management
University of Agricultural Sciences
B.Sc - Agriculture
University of Agricultural Sciences