Assistant Category Manager, Van Heusen

About the companyAditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), a business under the Aditya Birla Group, is a major player in branded apparel with a wide portfolio of well-known lifestyle labels. As of March 31, 2025, it manages a retail presence of more than 4.6 million sq. ft., including 3,253 exclusive brand outlets, reach across 38,000+ multi-brand outlets, and over 7,000 shop-in-shops in department stores nationwide.The company’s core brand mix features some of India’s most recognized names: Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England, each with a heritage of over 25 years. These brands have maintained strong growth through design-driven innovation, expansion into new categories, and disciplined operational execution across formal, casual, and occasion wear.ABLBL has also expanded strongly in innerwear and athleisure through Van Heusen Innerwear, which has grown its distribution network quickly across India. Its portfolio is further supported by partnerships with international labels such as Simon Carter, American Eagle, and Reebok. American Eagle has become one of India’s favored premium denim brands, while Reebok, brought under the company’s management in 2022, has widened its presence across multiple sales channels. Simon Carter continues to deepen its position in premium menswear through its distinct design approach and curated product range.Role overviewThis position is responsible for supporting category growth, partner coordination, buying execution, inventory planning, and commercial performance across assigned categories and channels.Key responsibilitiesWork with partners, brand, product, design, and sourcing teams to build new SMU lines across categories that support a fashion-forward brand image and strong sell-through.Drive profitable growth across categories and platforms by maintaining a strong CBA and gross profit outlook.Achieve GMV targets as well as rank and share objectives for the category-partner portfolio being managed.Plan inventory allocation and execute channel-wise strategies for OSM, SMU, NSM, and omnichannel mix based on partner strengths and market positioning.Implement the monthly buying calendar by using buy inputs, identifying what is working and what is not, and translating sell-through learnings into action.Track secondary sales performance, including discounting, visibility, and competitive positioning strategies.Manage partner OTB and use secondary forecasts to support more accurate primary planning.Guide and coordinate the operations team so B2B inventory is dispatched and delivered efficiently, helping maximize shelf life.Commercial focusThe role includes ownership of category-level growth levers such as inventory planning, secondary sales, partner buying, and execution discipline to improve business outcomes.People and operationsYou will supervise operational support teams and ensure smooth B2B inventory movement from dispatch to delivery.